ucla1967
Major
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 6,752
1 Throwing of Hand Grenades
Employment of hand grenades and various throwing positions outlined in FM 3-23.30
Since few Soldiers throw in the same manner, it is difficult to establish firm rules or techniques for throwing hand grenades. How accurately they are thrown is more important than how they are thrown. If a soldier can achieve more distance and accuracy using his own personal style, he should be allowed to do so as long as his body is facing sideways, towards the enemy's position, and he throws basically overhand. There is, however, a recommended method of throwing hand grenades.
Employ Grenades. Use the following procedures:
Observe the target to mentally establish the distance between the throwing position and the target area. In observing the target, minimize exposure time to the enemy (no more than 3 seconds).
Grip the hand grenade in the throwing hand.
Grasp the pull ring with the index or middle finger of the nonthrowing hand. Remove the safety pin with a pulling and twisting motion. If the tactical situation permits, observe the safety pin's removal.
Look at the target and throw the grenade using the overhand method so that the grenade arcs, landing on or near the target.
Allow the motion of the throwing arm to continue naturally once the grenade is released. This follow-through improves distance and accuracy and lessens the strain on the throwing arm.
Practice the necessary throws that are used in combat, such as the underhand and sidearm throws. Soldiers can practice these throws with practice grenades, but they must throw live fragmentation grenades overhand in a training environment.
Throwing Positions. In training, throwing positions are used for uniformity and control, and to familiarize Soldiers with the proper manner of throwing grenades in combat if the situation allows a choice. Consider the following throwing positions when employing grenades:
Standing. The standing position is the most desirable and natural position from which to throw grenades. It allows the Soldier to obtain the greatest possible throwing distance. Soldiers normally use this position when occupying a fighting position or during operations in fortified positions or urban terrain. Use the following procedures when throwing from this position:
Observe the target to mentally estimate the range. Use the proper handgrip, and arm the grenade while behind cover.
Assume a natural stance with the weight balanced equally on both feet. Hold the grenade shoulder high and hold the nonthrowing hand at a 45-degree angle with the fingers and thumb extended, joined, and pointing toward the intended target.
Throw the grenade with a natural motion, using the procedures described in paragraph A.
Seek cover to avoid being hit by fragments or direct enemy fire. If no cover is available, drop to the prone position facing the direction of the grenade's detonation.
Standing Throwing Position
Prone-To-Standing. The prone-to-standing position allows the soldier to throw the grenade for a greater distance than the alternate prone but he is exposed more. It is important to minimize the exposure time and to have covering fire suppress the target and other enemy positions that can hit the thrower.
Lie down on the stomach with the body parallel to the grenade's intended line of flight. Hold the grenade at chest level.
Place the hands in a push-up position and stand up while holding the grenade in the throwing hand.
Assume a natural stance with the weight balanced equally on both feet. Hold the grenade shoulder high and hold the nonthrowing hand at a 45-degree angle with the fingers and thumb extended, joined, and pointing toward the intended target. Try to assume a good standing position-the throw will be longer and more accurate-but it is more important to quickly get up and prepare the grenade.
Throw the grenade with a natural motion.
After throwing the grenade, drop to the ground on the stomach and press flat against the ground.
Oh my gawd! As someone who has actually thrown live hand grenades in the 1960s, I am glad I didn't know about the FM 3-23.30 instructions or I would still be trying to figure out how to do it. Just keep your thumb on the "spoon" while you are pulling the pin (I don't recommend using your teeth), and throw it as far as you can, and then duck.
