To standardize training, ensure comprehensive education, and professionalize the licensing process, we propose the establishment of government-run "Firearm Academies":

• Holistic Curriculum: These academies would offer mandatory, rigorous training covering not just basic firearm safety and marksmanship, but also:

  • The Second Amendment's Context: A deep dive into the historical and modern interpretation of the Second Amendment, emphasizing both rights and responsibilities.

  • De-escalation Techniques: Training in conflict avoidance and de-escalation, promoting peaceful resolutions before firearms are considered.

  • Legal Ramifications: Comprehensive education on self-defense laws, use-of-force doctrines, and the severe legal consequences of misuse.

  • Secure Storage Best Practices: Mandatory education on advanced secure storage solutions to prevent accidental discharge, theft, and unauthorized access.

• Qualified Licensing Officers: Within these academies, highly trained and impartial "Licensing Officers" (distinct from law enforcement) would oversee the final assessment. These officers, themselves subject to stringent federal oversight, would evaluate candidates not just on technical proficiency but on their demonstrated judgment, temperament, and adherence to the principles taught.

• Merit-Based Licensing: The license would only be granted if the training officer, based on observed behavior, understanding, and performance throughout the course, deems the applicant genuinely "worthy" and responsible enough to exercise the profound power of gun ownership.

This structured, professional environment ensures a uniformly high standard of education and evaluation, creating truly responsible gun owners.