When we moved back from Japan to the United States, we encountered an ever tightening noose of gun violence. It was an abrupt reintegration to the American fascination with firearms. I don't know if the socialization of young boys to idolize and play with guns has anything to do with the prevalence of violence, and without CDC research into the gun violence that plagues this country, it's unlikely we'll have real or meaningful answers. It could be that boys are socialized to pretend and play with guns, it could be the male loneliness epidemic, it could be the lack of sufficient mental health resources. But maybe, just maybe, it's the guns - the ready access. I've discussed men playing around with guns before, but Lance Corporal Robbins brings us right back to this same conundrum – opting to up the ante on his gun play, stealing a laser sight from the Marine Corps so he could have even more… fun? In predictable fashion, playing around with loaded guns went tragically wrong and landed Robbins in a court martial.
I relied on the NMCCA Robbins opinion and the CAAF Maebane opinion to write up this episode script.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you hit play today. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!
Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it's obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense or whatever name they go by socially now. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.
