Mike , while your attending Fayett'nam and walking along the brickyard, don't inhale too deep, that stuff in the air ain't healthy.
You have been given good advice and links. I too am a resident of the same state as you. Even before a ticket to carry was issued here,even available,even needed... I CCW. I always figured everyone carried, GG or BG, I still do. I was not alone , in my thinking and practice. I have a circle of friends, we know now as we did before tickets to carry , we were armed, a given. I don't go where unlike kind reside. If by some reason I do find myself , concealed means concealed.
Now in AR your CCW is flagged on DL, yes inform officer. I am one of many whom also has a non- res FL, this one is NOT flagged on DL. I know many residents here in AR that use only the non- res FL...get my drift?
You will most likely hear "don't use .357 in a .357 , use .38 spl" in your class also. I believe in shot placement, and knowing what is beyond my target. I'm not going to suggest you or anyone do anything they should not, or feel uncomfortable about. Just remember educators are for you to determine for yourself...not accept what is taught as etched in granite. Liability also dictates what is recommended. Not all education comes from a building marked "education".
Another good read, and I only suggest for stimulating gray matter :
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=34976
I figure any and all are carrying I encounter and conduct myself accordingly. Always.