ITAR Certification

Chapter President's Letter September 2015

Recently we sent two of our members to be trained as NRA Training Counselors. At that training, we were informed that we must be in compliance with the Federal and State laws concerning firearms training and usage, including compliant with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"), 22 CFR §120, et seq.; 18 USC §922(g)(5), and Va. Code §18.2-308.2:01 Among other things, ITAR substantially limits individuals and entities from engaging in any activities which provide assistance or instruction to Foreign Persons related to the repair, maintenance, operation, and use of a defense article, including all manners of firearms. Here, the term "Foreign Persons" refers only to those individuals who are not lawful permanent residents of the US or a protected individual under 8 USC §1324b(a)(3). Accordingly, these restrictions do not apply to any person who is a "Permanent Resident Alien," "Resident Alien Permit Holder," a "Green Card Holder," and/or who have been granted refugee and/or asylum status.

In addition to some restrictions related to Foreign Persons right to possess and transport firearms, Virginia law also prohibits certain other persons from possessing or transporting firearms. Such persons include but are not limited to those who have prior felony convictions, current felony and/or certain misdemeanor indictments, certain juvenile convictions, persons subject to protective or restraining orders.

To best ensure we are compliant with Federal and Virginia law, moving forward we will require all members, new and renewing, as well as any persons attending any of the firearm instruction courses IWLA hosts, to execute an affidavit attesting to their U.S. Citizenship or their status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or refugee. Additionally, IWLA will require such persons to confirm their eligibility under Virginia law to possess, transport, and handle firearms.

Only those persons who are permitted under the Federal and State regulations to handle, possess, transport, and receive instruction on firearms will be permitted to attend firearm training activities and utilize IWLA firearm facilities. If any member or potential member believes they qualify under the law for an exception to these regulations, they will have opportunity to present such information to Chapter Leadership. However, because IWLA's primary purpose is for conservation and related activities, Foreign Persons and/or other persons who are not lawfully permitted to handle, possess, or transport a firearm and/or to receive instruction/assistance related to firearms will continue to be welcomed as members of the club. The club will be implementing a SOP in September addressing these changes.

Thanks
Mike Scherr
Chapter President


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