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VIETNAM WAR ERA RIFLE GRENADES AND ACCESORIES
CHAPTER 3 - HAND GRENADE TRAINING.
Section I. General.
31. Introduction.
Hand grenade training should emphasize throwing distance and accuracy. These are the two most critical factors of individual proficiency in a hand grenade training program. The training program should be oriented toward instilling good grenade throwing habits in the soldier. Upon completion of training, an individual should be able to throw grenades with skill and confidence.
32. Conduct of Hand Grenade Training.
The initial phases of hand grenade training should stress safety precautions and direct supervision of personnel being trained. This is necessary since many soldiers may have difficulty in developing good throwing habits because of physical or psychological limitations. These limitations are overcome only with patience and practice. As the cycle of training progresses, a soldier's confidence and proficiency should progress accordingly.
In view of such progress, later phases of a grenade training program should gradually reduce the amount of supervision. When a soldier reaches the final phase of grenade training, he is allowed to put into practice the training he has received in a course simulating conditions likely to be found on the battlefield.
33. Training Objectives.
Although the primary objectives of a hand grenade training program are to develop a soldier's proficiency in grenade throwing and to overcome any fear he may have of handling explosives, there are other factors of considerable importance in preparing the soldier to use grenades on the battlefield. He must become familiar with the various types of hand grenades, their f unctioning and uses, and safety considerations governing their use. Equally important in training are the proper methods of target engagement. These methods should enable a soldier to react rapidly and effectively against targets which may confront him in battle.
Section II. Fundamentals of hand grenade training.
34. Holding the Grenade.
Safety is the primary factor to be considered when determining the proper method of holding the grenade.
a. Maximum safety and throwing comfort are obtained when the grenade is cradled in the throwing hand with the safety lever held in place by the area between the first and second joints of the thumb (1, fig. 11).
b. For right-handed personnel, the grenade is held upright in order to position the pull ring where it can be easily removed by the index finger of the free hand (2, fig. 11). For lefthanded personnel, the grenade is inverted with the fingers and thumb of the throwing hand positioned in the same manner as by right-handed personnel (3, fig. 11)
c. The M25-series of riot control hand grenades have an arming sleeve which serves the same purpose as the safety lever on other grenades. When throwing these grenades, the arming sleeve is held in place by applying constant pressure with the thumb of the throwing hand ( 4, figure 11).
35. Throwing the Grenade.
Since few men throw in the same manner, it is difficult to establish firm rules or throwing techniques. There is, however, a recommended method of grenade throwing which is easily mastered by most personnel. By practicing the steps below, you will develop your throwing proficiency to a point where your reaction to a presented target is immediate.
| a. | First, observe the target to mentally establish the distance between your throwing position and the target area. |
| b. |
Hold the grenade at shoulder level with the
grenade in your throwing hand and the index
finger of your opposite hand grasping the pull
ring (1, fig. 12). Remove the safety pin with a
pulling, twisting motion. (If the tactical situation
permits, you should observe the safety pin's
removal.)
Note. If the safety pin cannot be pulled out, lessen the spre2.d of the legs of the safety pin to facilitate removal. However, if the grenade is not used, respread the legs of the safety pin for safety in carrying. |
| c. |
To remove the safety pin and the safety clip
from hand grenades mentioned in paragraph 6,
hold the grenade at shoulder level with the grenade
in your throwing hand. Insert the index
finger of your opposite hand into the pull ring,
and place your thumb across the grenade lever
and onto the squared end of the safety clip (fig. 13).
While pulling the pin with your index finger, simultaneously rotate the clip to the left with your thumb until the clip clears the lever. As the pull pin clears the fuze, the safety clip rotates clear of the grenade lever. (This procedure also applies to left-handed soldiers, only with the hand reversed, fig. 14.) Note. When using grenades equipped with the safety clip, the positions and techniques described in this chapter for throwing hand grenades remain unchanged. |
| d. | As the safety pin is removed, immediately look back at your target. |
| e. | Throw the grenade with an overhead throwing motion, keeping your eyes trained at all times on the target. Release the grenade somewhere forward of your body and in your general field of vision (2 and 3, fig. 12). In this way, you take advantage of the hand-and-eye coordination inherent in most men. |
| f. | Follow through on your throwing motion beyond the point where the grenade is released ( 4, figure 12). This follow through improves distance and accuracy and relieves the strain on your throwing arm. |
Figure 11. Holding the grenade. |
Figure 11-a. Holding the grenade. |
a. Standing Position (1, fig. 15). This position is the most desirable and natural one from which to throw grenades. The position allows an individual to obtain the greatest possible throwing distance. Throwing from this position is accomplished as follows:
(1) Assume a natural stance with your weight balanced equally on both feet. Using the proper grip, hold the grenade shoulder high.
(2) Throw the grenade with a natural motion using the procedure described in paragraph 35.
(3) If available, duck behind cover to avoid being hit by fragments. If no cover is available, drop to the prone position with your helmet facing the direction of the grenade's detonation.
b. Kneeling Position (2, fig. 15). This position reduces the distance to which a grenade can be thrown. The position is used primarily when the soldier has only a low wall, a shallow ditch, or similar cover to protect him. Throwing from this position is accomplished as follows:
(1) Using the proper grip and with the grenade held shoulder high, kneel in the most comfortable manner.
(2) Throw the grenade with a natural throwing motion. Push off with your trailing foot to give added force to your throw.
(3) When the grenade is released, drop to the prone position or behind available cover to minimize exposure to fragmentation.
c. Prone to Kneeling Position (3, fig. 15). This position is used when no cover is available and the grenade must be thrown a greater distance than is possible from the prone position. Throwing from this position is accomplished as follows:
(1) Face the target and assume the prone position. Hold the grenade forward of your head where you can observe the grenade as you remove the safety pin.
(2) After the safety pin is removed, assume the kneeling position.
(3) After throwing the grenade, return to the prone position with your helmet facing the direction of the target.
d. Alternate Prone Position (4, fig. 15). This position reduces both distance and accuracy. It is used when an individual is pinned down by hostile fire and is unable to rise to engage his target. Throwing from this position is accomplished as follows:
(1) Lie on your back with your body perpendicular to the grenade's intended line of flight. Hold the grenade at shoulder level as in the standing position.
(2) Your right leg (left leg for left-handed throwers) is cocked with your foot braced firmly against the ground. After removal of the safety pin, hold the grenade away from your body with your arm cocked for throwing.
(3) With your free hand, grasp any object that is capable of giving you added leverage. This leverage will increase your throwing distance. In throwing the grenade, push off with your rearward foot to give added power to your throw. After throwing the grenade, roll over onto your stomach and press yourself flat against the ground.
37. "Cookoff" and "Airburst"
Many times in combat, targets confronting the infantryman may be of such a nature that normal methods of target engagement are inadequate. For example, troops or weapons in trench or foxhole positions are better engaged by causing a grenade to burst over these targets. Furthermore, if the targets are located on sloping ground and impact detonating grenades are unavailable, it would then be desirable to detonate a grenade as near impact as possible to prevent its rolling away from the target before the time delay is expended.
Such above ground detonation also prevents the enemy from securing the grenade and throwing it back before the time delay is expended. Above ground detonation is especially critical when bunker-type emplacements are engaged. To achieve above ground detonation or near impact detonation, remove the grenade's safety pin, release the safety lever, and count "ONE THOUSAND ONE, ONE THOUSAND TWO," and then throw the grenade. This procedure will expend a sufficient period (approximately 2 seconds) of the grenade's 4- to 5-second time delay to cause the grenade to detonate above ground or shortly after impact with the target. Fragmentation and white phosphorous hand grenades will not be detonated in such a manner in training.
Warning: It is possible for grenades to have a minimum delay time of 3 seconds. A grenade which has a 3-second delay thaf is held for 2 seconds could expose the user to a serious safety hazard.
38. Carrying Hand Grenades.
a. The way grenades are carried is probably the most neglected aspect of hand grenade training. Experiences by American infantrymen, both in combat and in training, point out the need for training in carrying hand grenades and the integration of this type of training, whenever possible, into tactical training exercises.
b. Before attaching hand grenades to web equipment for earrying, the following safety precautions should be taken:
Figure 12. Throwing the grenade.
Figure 12-a. Throwing the grenade.
Figure 13-14. Rempving safety pin and the safety clip.
(1) Check the grenade's fuze assembly for tightness, since it must be screwed tightly into the grenade's fnze well in order to prevent the grenade from working loose during rno\'ement and Reparating from the fuze assembly. The fuze should 1/Pl'el' be removed from a grenade, unless the grenade is being prepared as a boobytrap using some other firing device.
(2) If the grenade's safety lever is broken, do not use the grenade. The safety pin should not be bent back so that it is flush against the fuze body. This procedure, designed to preclude accidental pulling of the pin, makes the removal of the safety pin difficult and, in some cases, impossible. Also, repeated working of the safety pin in this manner will cause the pin to break, creating a hazardous condition.
c. The prescribed manner of carrying hand grenades is by the carrying straps on the universal ammunition pouch (fig. 16). There are two carrying straps on the ammunition pouch which are deRigned specifically for carrying grenades. Grenades are attached to the ammunition pouch in the following manner:
(1) After checking the fuze for tightne88, hold the web carrying sleeve on the rear of the amrnuntion pouch flat agaim~t the pistol belt, and slide the grenade's safety lever into the sleeve.
(2) Be sure the pull ring on the safety pin is pointing downward.
(3) Wrap the carrying strap around the neck of the fuze, including the safety lever and the pull ring, and snap the carrying strap to the carrying sleeve.
(4) During marches, periodically check the grenade to make certain the fuze is tight and the carrying strap is secure. d. Five fragmentation grenades can be carried using the universal ammunition pouch; two grenades are attached to the outside of the pouch and three are carried inside.
Warning: Hand grenades will not he attached to any equipment hy the pull ring on the grenade's safety pin.
Figure 15. Throwing positions.
Figure 15-a. Throwing positions.
Figure 15-b. Throwing positions.
Figure 15-c. Throwing positions.
Section III. Hand grenade training courses.
39. Distance and Accuracy Course.
a. Purvose.
The distance and accuracy course is the initial phase of the soldier's practical work with hand grenades. The purpose of the course is to develop the soldier's grenade throwing proficiency and to insure the soldier develops good grenade throwing habits. The course requires close supervision by experienced personnel.
b. Conduct.
Before conducting the course, the soldier is given a briefing on the objectives of the course and how he is to engage the targets. He is then given a demonstration of how the course is conducted. For control, the NCOIC of the course issues the commands: PREP ARE TO THROW, PULL PIN, and THROW GRENADE. He also moves the orders between stations. The unit being trained is divided into 20- man orders. Each throwing station requires a minimum of two supervisory personnel. Each order is assigned a starting station and is moved on command to each of the succeeding stations. The course is conducted as follows:
(1) Station 1.
The soldier is issued three unfuzed practice hand grenades. He uses the standing position to engage a foxhole-type target 30 meters from the throwing line. Midway between the throwing line and the target, a wire or rope cable is suspended across the station at a height of 4.5 meters (16 feet). This cable points out that in order to gain distance in his throw, he must also obtain height in throwing. When he engages the target, the soldier's grenade should pass over the cable. After his order has completed throwing all three grenades, the soldier moves to the target area on command from the NCOIC, and secures and returns the grenades he threw to the throwing point of Station 1. He then moves directly to Station 2.
Instructor's Note. A soldier who demonstrates complete inability to throw the grenade should be sent to a separate area to receive intensive, individual instruction.
(2) Station 2.
The soldier is issued three unfuzed practice hand grenades. He uses the standing position to engage a trench-type target at a range of 40 meters. Again, a cable is suspended across the station at a height of 4.5 meters (16 feet) and midway between the throwing line and the target. After his order has completed throwing all three grenades, the soldier moves to the target area on command from the NCOIC, and secures and returns the grenades he threw to the throwing point of Station 2. He then moves directly to Station 3.
Instructor's Note. The soldier starts this station in a kneeling position. He then stands, throws, and returns to the kneeling position which gives him cover behind a low wall.
(3) Station 3.
The soldier is issued three unfuzed hand grenades. He uses the kneeling position to engage a window-type target at a range of 20 meters from the throwing line. After his order has completed throwing all three grenades, the soldier moves to the target area on command from the NCOIC, and secures and returns the grenades he threw to the throwing point of Station 3.
c. Summary.
When the soldier has completed the distance and accuracy course, he will have thrown a grenade comparable in weight to the fragmentation grenade a total of nine times at targets spaced at varying distances from the throwing line. He will know that in order to obtain throwing distance, he must also obtain throwing height. Through close supervision, he will have developed his throwing distance and accuracy, as well as good grenade throwing habits. It should be remembered that successful engagement of all targets in this course is not a prerequisite for throwing casualty-producing grenades. It is desirable for the soldier to complete the distance and accuracy course before he advances to the hand grenade assault/qualification course and the hand grenade familiarization course: Range facilities for the distance and accuracy course are described in appendix C.
40. Hand Grenade Assault Qualification Course.
a. Purpose.
To train the soldier in the uses of hand grenades and the proper methods of engaging targets. The assault/qualification training should be conducted following distance and accuracy training; however, it is not necessary for the soldier to successfully complete the hand grenade assault/qualification course prior to throwing casualty-producing grenades. During the
Figure 16. Hand grenades attached to the ammunition pouch.
assault/qualification course, the soldier puts into practice the instruction he has already received and the proficiency he has developed. The assault/ qualification course allows the soldier to use fuzed practice hand grenades and to engage targets in natural terrain under simulated combat conditions. Each lane of the course requires one supervisor and one grader per station; thus the soldier will proceed as directed by the noncommissioned officer in charge of each lane.
b. Conduct.
The course consists of six throwing stations in each lane. The number of lanes used depends on the size of the unit being trained. Each soldier is started at Station 1, and he then moves in sequence through Station 6. To add realism to the course, a machinegun or an automatic rifle fires blank ammunition, in the direction of the soldiers conducting the course, from a minimum distance of 60 meters. After a soldier completes throwing at a station, he moves at a run to his next throwing station and is replaced at his original station by another soldier. The same sequence is followed throughout the course until all soldiers have engaged targets at all stations. Before conducting the course, the soldier is given a briefing on the objectives of the course and a demonstration of how the course is run. The soldier receives 10 practice hand grenades ( 5 unfuzed and 5 fuzed practice hand grenades so that he may properly attach them to his web equipment). The soldier starts on command from the NCOIC of the lane. The course is conducted as follows:
Note. One fuzed practice grenade must be thrown at each target from Stations 2 through 6. An unfuzed practice grenade may be thrown at the target from Station 1. The soldier may use the four remaining unfuzed practice grenades in a second throw at any of the targets he misses (2 through 6) with the fuzed grenade, including a second throw at the target from Station 1; however no more than two grenades may be used at any one station.
Figure 16-a. 1963 ammunition pouch.
(1) Station 1. The soldier uses the standing position from behind chest-high cover ( 4.5-feet high) to engage a silhouette target in a foxhole at a range of 20 meters. After throwing his practice grenade, he quickly observes the target and moves at a run to his next throwing station.
(2) Station 2. The soldier uses the kneeling position from behind a low wall to engage a window target at a range of 20 meters. After the grenade goes off, he quickly observes the target and moves at a run to his next station.
(3) Station 3. The soldier uses the prone to kneeling position in the open to engage a number of silhouette targets in a trench at a range of 20 meters. After throwing his grenade, he drops to the prone position. After the grenade goes off, he observes the target and moves at a run to his next station.
(4) Station 4. The soldier uses the kneeling position from behind a low wall to engage a group of silhouette targets in a trench at a range of 25 meters. After his grenade detonates, the soldier quickly observes the target and moves at a run to his next station.
(5) Station 5. The soldier uses the standing position from a foxhole to engage a cluster of silhouette targets in the open at a range of 30 meters. After his grenade goes off, he observes his target and moves at a run to his next station.
(6) Station 6. The soldier approaches a bunker from the rear in order to engage the bunker. He throws his grenade into the bunker from either the rear or the sides. After his grenade detonates, he moves on the run to the finishing line where he waits for the remainder of his group to complete the course.
c. Summary. Upon completion of the course, the soldier will have thrown fuzed practice hand grenades at various types of targets using different throwing positions. This will have acquainted him with the time delay on casualtyproducing grenades. The course gives the soldier an insight into the types of targets he may encounter in combat and provides him added confidence in his ability to use hand grenades on the battlefield. Range facilities for the hand grenade assault/qualification course are described in appendix C.
41. Hand Grenade Familiarization Course.
a. Purpose.
Once the soldier has developed his throwing proficiency and engaged targets with hand grenades under simulated combat conditions, he should be allowed to throw casualtyproducing grenades. Throwing these grenades gives him experience in handling explosives and increases his confidence. Since this is the first time in training that he will handle explosives, maximum emphasis must be given to safety.
b. Conduct.
Before throwing casualty-producing hand grenades, the soldier is given a briefing on the conduct of the course and applicable safety considerations. He then witnesses a demonstration of the proper procedures used in throwing casualty-producing grenades. (The demonstration is conducted in a practice bay using the M30 practice grenade.) The soldier goes through the course using practice hand grenades in a practice grenade bay area which closely duplicates the facility from which he will throw casualty-producing hand grenades. The practice course will immediately precede the throwing of casualtyproducing grenades. The course is conducted as follows:
(1) The soldier is issued a fuzed practice hand grenade and is moved to the throwing bay on command. He keeps his grenade in the lower half of its packing container until he enters the throwing bay.
(2) When the soldier arrives in his throwing bay, he stands in the center of the bay with his back to the left wall, if he is right-handed, or to the right wall if he is left-handed. This procedure allows the safety noncommissioned officer in his bay to face him and observe his actions. The soldier takes all commands from the safety NCO in his bay. The NCO commands PULL PIN. At this time the soldier removes the safety pin and prepares to throw. When the safety NCO is certain the soldier is prepared to throw the grenade, he commands THROW. The soldier immediately throws the grenade and takes cover. He does not observe the strike of his grenade.
Instructor's Note. When throwing grenades equipped with the safety clip, the command REMOVE SAFETY CLIP will precede the command PULL PIN. The live course is conducted the same as the practice course, except fragmentation hand grenades are used. The soldier assumes a kneeling position in the center of the throwing bay, if more than one throwing bay is used. The officer in charge of the course issues the command for the soldier whose turn it is to throw to stand by commanding BAY NUMBER _, ST AND. The soldier then takes all subsequent commands from the safety NCO in his bay.
c. Summary. Upon completion of the hand grenade familiarization course, the soldier will have thrown practice and casualty-producing grenades. It must be remembered that the objective of this training is to give the soldier confidence in the grenade and in his own ability to effectively use it. All instruction must be oriented toward achieving these ends. Every possible precaution must be taken to insure that the soldier is not made to fear the grenade. Next to small arms and 40-mm ammunition, fragmentation hand grenades are the most commonly used weapon in the infantryman's possession. It is the responsibility of every instructor to instill confidence in the men he trains. The soldier needs this confidence to properly and effectively use hand grenades and to overthrow any fear he may have of handling a grenade.
42 Hand Grenade Confidence Course.
a. Purpose.
Once the soldier has developed his throwing proficiency and has been introduced to throwing casualty-producing hand grenades, he should be given an opportunity to apply his newly acquired proficiency in a simulated tactical situation requiring the use of grenades. The Hand Grenade Confidence Course is designed to accomplish this objective. The physical layout of the course is described in appendix C, and illustrated in figure 37.
b. Conduct.
The Hand Grenade Confidence Course has a practice and a live course, each consisting of an assembly area, a final coordination line, an initial holding area, a covering position, a throwing position, and a final holding area.
(1) The course is started with an orientation period covering the characteristics and functioning of the practice and fragmentation hand grenades, safety considerations governing the conduct of training, and a discussion and demonstration of the conduct of the course for the entire unit being trained.
(2) Following the initial orientation, each platoon (48-60 men) is broken down into 10-man squads and each man is given a number (1 through 10). Each platoon is moved to a separate assembly area for the practice course where the officer in charge (OIC) of the range presents a tactical situation. Unfuzed practice hand grenades are issued to the platoon for the practice conduct of the course. All personnel are inspected by the OIC before they negotiate the course to make certain that all grenades are properly secured to web equipment.
(3) The course is conducted as follows:
(a) The first squad moves in a line formation, ALPHA team on the right, from a tree line that represents the final coordination line of the practice course.
(b) Upon arrival at a mound representing the initial holding area, the squad is taken under fire by a machinegun simulator. The squad leader sends two men from the right side of the line to bunker number one near the objective. The control NCO directs the number one man on the right to move to bunker number two within hand grenade range of the objective. From bunker number two, the soldier observes target area number one and engages it with an unfuzed practice hand grenade. When the grenade is thrown, the safety officer commands ALL DOWN.
At this time, all personnel get behind protective cover. After the grenade functions ( the safety officer counts to seven which indicates the amount of time personnel must remain behind the protective cover), the soldier engages target area number two with a second unfuzed practice hand grenade. When the grenade is thrown, the safety officer commands ALL DOWN.
(c) The soldier who threw the grenades moves by the most direct route back to the final holding area where he is critiqued by the critique NCO. Covering fire is resumed from bunker number one. The squad leader then sends a new man to bunker number one where he provides covering fire for the number two man who moves to bunker number two to throw his grenades. After the second grenade functions (simulated, as in ( b) above), the soldier being critiqued by the critique NCO moves directly to the initial holding area.
(d) The above sequence is repeated until all squad personnel have thrown grenades and provided covering fire. The first soldier to throw grenades provides covering fire for the last man to throw.
(e) After the first group has finished the practice course and has been critiqued, it returns to the assembly area and then moves to the live course for the final run with fragmentation grenades. After the first group has completed the practice course, the practice and live courses are run concurrently on separate training courts. Instructor's Note. In the practice course simulated rifle fire and practice grenades are used. Blank ammunition and two live grenades are used in the conduct of the live course.
(4) The safety officer on the practice course must carefully observe the actions of soldiers throwing practice grenades. If the safety officer detects any unsafe acts or extreme nervousness on a thrower's part, the thrower will be identified to the critique NCO. The critique NCO will point out the thrower's mistakes and send him back through the practice course. In some instances, it may be necessary to place an individual who has extreme difficulty in properly handling grenades under the control of an assistant instructor for detailed instruction. In no instance will a man be allowed to throw live fragmentation grenades until he has clearly demonstrated his ability to throw practice grenades during the practice conduct of the course.
(5) The following safety personnel are required for the Hand Grenade Confidence Course:
(a) Safety Officer. The safety officer (0/C) is responsible for the overall conduct of the problem, presentation of bleacher orientation, and tactical briefing. After issuing the operation order in the assembly area, the safety officer is positioned in the safety bunker where he has the immediate responsibility of supervising hand grenade throwing.
(b) Squad leaders. The squad leaders alternate moving squads to and from the initial holding areas. They are responsible for insuring that all personnel are behind protective cover in the initial holding area when grenades are being thrown. Squad leaders must check each soldier's grenades before he moves from the initial holding area to bunker number one.
(c) Controller. The controller is the senior assistant instructor. He is positioned in bunker number one where he controls the movement of all personnel both before and after each grenade is thrown; he also controls the soldier furnishing covering fire.
(d) Critique NCO. The critique NCO is positioned in the final holding area. He administers a critique to each thrower immediately after the man arrives from bunker number two. To insure continuity, the critique NCO will observe the same squad during both the practice and live courses. The critique NCO will brief each member of the squad after both the practice and live courses. He then returns to the practice course to observe another squad.
(6) The training facility for the Hand Grenade Confidence Course consists of a practice grenade court for throwing the M30 practice grenades and a live grenade court for throwing fragmentation grenades. These two courts are constructed alike and close together in order to allow easy movement from one to the other. The Hand Grenade Confidence Course should be conducted concurrently with another 2-hour period of instruction in order to minimize terrain and personnel requirements. Time breakdown for the conduct of training is as follows:
(a) Initial orientation: 20 minutes.
(b) Tactical situation briefing, ammunition issue, and inspection prior to crossing the final coordination line: 10 minutes.
(c) Practice run: 35 minutes. (Practice and live runs are run concurrently after the first squad completes the practice run.)
(7) The following ammunition is required for the Hand Grenade Confidence Course:
(a) For each soldier.
1. Cartridge, blank, 5.56-mm: 20 rounds.
2. Grenade, hand, practice, M30 unfuzed: two.
3. Grenade, hand, fragmentation, M26- series : two.
(b) For each demonstration. 1. Cartridge, blank, 5.56-mm: 20 rounds. 2. Grenade, hand, practice, M30 unfuzed: two.
(8) Upon completion of the Hand Grenade Confidence Course, the soldier will have obtained added confidence in his ability to effectively use grenades in combat, and he will have seen how grenades are integrated into tactical operations. Additionally, he will have learned the value of fire and movement and teamwork when using grenades in an offensive combat role.
43. Hand Grenade Cookoff-Impact Course.
a. Purpose.
The "cook-off-impact" course is designed to increase the soldier's confidence and proficiency when engaging various nearby enemy targets using hand grenades. The purpose of the "cookoff" procedure with time-delay fuzes and grenades armed with impact fuzes is to prevent the grenade from rolling away from the target, from being returned by the enemy, or giving the enemy time to take evasion action.
b. Conduct.
Before conducting the course, the soldier is given an orientation of the course objectives and how he is to engage the targets. He is then given a demonstration of how the course is conducted. Each soldier is given two fuzed (time-delay) practice XM69 grenades, two fuzed (impact) practice XM66 grenades, and one unfuzed practice grenade. Each soldier starts at Station 1. The unfuzed grenade is thrown first to give the soldier a chance to dry-run the "cookoff" procedure.
After engaging the target with one fuzed (M228 time-delay) practice XM69 grenade, the soldier moves to Station 2 to engage the bunker with his second fuzed (M228 time-delay) practice XM69 grenade. The soldier then moves to Station 3 to engage the targets with his third fuzed (XM225 impact) practice XM66 grenade. The soldier then moves to Station 4 to practice retrieving a dropped fuzed (XM225 impact) practice XM66 grenade. Each throwing station requires one NCO who will insure that the soldier releases the safety lever, begins his count of "one thousand, two thousand," and then throws the grenade.
(1) Station 1. The soldier uses the kneeling position from behind a low wall to engage a group of silhouette targets in a trench at a range of 25 meters. He must use the "cookoff" procedure with his XM69 practice grenade equipped with a timedelay fuze to engage the target with an airburst. After his grenade detonates, the soldier quickly observes the target and moves to the next station.
(2) Station 2. The soldier approaches a bunker from the rear and uses the "cookoff" procedure to engage the bunker. He throws his XM69 practice grenade equipped with a timedelay fuze into the bunker from either the rear or the sides. After his grenade detonates, he moves to the finish line where he waits for the remainder of his group to complete the course.
(3) Station 3. The soldier uses the kneeling position from behind a low wall to engage a group of silhouette targets in the open at a range of 30 meters. He must throw the XM66 practice grenade equipped with an impact fuze over the wire located midway to the target (to allow the onesecond arming delay time to elapse). After his grenade detonates, the soldier quickly observes the target and moves to the next station.
(4) Station 4. The soldier takes the standing position in a foxhole. After he pulls the pin from his last XM66 practice grenade equipped with an impact fuze, he is instructed to drop the grenade into the foxhole, reach down and retrieve it, and quickly throw it toward the silhouette targets.
Instructor's Note. This exercise is designed to develop confidence in the one-second arming delay time and to point out the danger involved if impact occurs to the grenade after the one-second arming delay time has elapsed. The foxhole should have no grenade sump. The trainee should be instructed not to attempt to kick the dropped grenade, but immediately retrieve it and throw the grenade at the targets.
c. Summary.
Upon completion of the course, the soldier will have thrown four fuzed practice hand grenades. This will acquaint him with the "cookoff" procedure and enable him to compare it with impact fuzed grenades. The course provides him confidence in his ability to use hand grenades equipped with the time-delay or impact fuzes to engage various type targets he may encounter on the battlefield.
Instructor's Note. After the first group has completed the confidence course, the "cookoff-impact" and confidence courses are conducted concurrently on separate training courts.
Section IV. Hand grenade training safety.
44. Handling Casualty-Producing Hand Grenades.
Safety instructions governing the handling of casualty-producing hand grenades are found in AR 385-63, AR 385-65, TM 9-1330-200, TM 9- 1370-200, and TM 9-1900. In addition to the instructions contained in these publications, the following safety precautions will be adhered to:
WARNING: Unauthorized modification to service grenades is prohibited, as a safety hazard may he created. This is to include any restrictions on safety pin, lever (hand) with tape, wire, etc.
a. Personnel handling or throwing casualtyproducing hand grenades or who are within this type of grenade's danger area (230 meters) will wear steel helmets.
b. Personnel will throw fuzed practice hand grenades before throwing casualty-producing hand grenades.
c. No hand grenades, other than fuzed practice hand grenades, will be defuzed by any individual except qualified and authorized supporting unit maintenance personnel.
d. The guidelines listed in paragraph 7 e for grenades armed with the M217 impact detonating fuze will be strictly adhered to.
e. The safety pin on a grenade will not be removed until the grenade is to be thrown. Once the safety pin is removed, it will not be placed back into the grenade, and the grenade must be thrown.
f. Grenades found upside down in their packing containers will not be removed. The containers will be marked and returned to the issuing facility.
g. Dud grenades will not be recovered, handled, or otherwise tampered with by any individual except explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
h. All throwing of casualty-producing hand grenades will be done under the supervision of a commissioned officer (AR 385-63).
i. If a casualty-producing hand grenade is dropped accidentally after the safety-pin is removed, the soldier dropping the grenade and the safety NCO in the throwing bay will-
(1) Shout "GRENADE" to alert other personnel in the area that a casualty-producing hand grenade has been dropped.
(2) Insure that the grenade is picked up and thrown in a low arc into a safe area. Note. Grenades will not be thrown into a sump, ditch, or similar area. If protective cover is unavailable when the grenade is thrown into a safe area, personnel will drop to the prone position with steel helmets facing the direction of the grenade's detonation point. This procedure minimizes the area of a man's body that is exposed to blast and fragmentation, and it allows the steel helmet to deflect fragments.
j. In training, fragmentation hand grenades will not be removed from the bottom half of the individual grenade containers until just before use. As each soldier is called to stand and throw his grenade, he will remove the grenade from the bottom half of the container, being sure to slide his thumb over the safety lever before the lever clears the fiber container or the sleeve inside the container. This procedure will prevent accidents due to damaged safety pins or levers. This technique is followed prior to issuing the grenades to individuals negotiating the Hand Grenade Confidence Course. The soldier carries the grenades attached to the ammunition pouch until he reaches the throwing position.
k. Under no circumstances will grenades be attached to clothing or equipment by the pull ring. Attaching grenades to clothing or equipment by the pull ring can easily result in the safety pin being accidentally removed from the grenade.
l. If grenades are attached to clothing or equipment for extended periods of time, the fuze assembly may become loosened from the grenade body, allowing moisture to enter the grenade. To prevent moisture damage to the grenade, the fuze must be periodically tightened.
m. At least a 5-minute waiting period will be observed before an HE-loaded grenade dud is approached. Dud grenades will be removed or destroyed in place only by authorized explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
45. Handling Noncasualty Producing Hand Grenades.
a. Practice Hand Grenades.
Personnel installing fuzes in practice hand grenades will install only the practice fuze designed for use with a specific practice grenade. Detonating fuzes may cause the grenade body to shatter, producing dangerous fragments. When reloading practice hand grenades, no more than one bag of 21 grains of black powder will be inserted into the grenade body. More black powder than this will produce a dangerous explosion which may shatter the grenade body. Practice grenades which fail to function will not be recovered for at least 10 minutes.
b. Chemical Hand Grenades.
(1) Personnel will be no closer than 10 meters to the AN-M14 TH3 incendiary hand grenade while it burns. Personnel should not look directly into the burning thermate mixture since it may cause temporary blindness or permanent eye damage.
(2) Safety levers of chemical hand grenades will not be released before throwing because of the extremely short time delay period.
(3) Riot control hand grenades should not be used in enclosed areas during training. The M25- series of riot control hand grenades should not be detonated nearer than 5 meters to any personnel. (For further information governing the use of riot control hand grenades in training, see FM 21-48.)
(4) Smoke hand grenades will not be used in enclosed areas during training.
(5) At least a 30-minute waiting period will be observed prior to approaching a chemical grenade dud. Dud grenades will be removed or destroyed in place only by authorized explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
CHAPTER 4 - RIFLE GRENADES AND ACCESSORIES.
46. Description.
a. Rifle grenades, unlike hand grenades, are projected only from the service rifle and do not lend themselves to throwing. Rifle grenades are used to assist in the accomplishment of five missions:
(1) Antitank.
(2) Antipersonnel.
(3) Signaling.
(4) Screening.
(5) Incendiary.
b. Weapons such as the 40-mm grenade launcher, M79 and the 66-mm high explosive antitank rocket, M72, have taken over many of the combat roles previously assigned to rifle grenades. Despite this, rifle grenades are still in abundant supply, and the ever-changing world military picture dictates that training with rifle grenades be continued so that they may be quickly and effectively used as the need arises.
47. Characteristics.
Rifle grenades can be fired in both the direct and high-angle direct-fire roles (fig. 17). When used in the high-angle direct-fire role, they are, in effect, the infantryman's small unit mortar. In such a role, rifle grenades are capable of covering ~he dead space to the front of defensive positions, and they can fill the gap existing in high explosive firepower between the maximum throwing distance of hand grenades and the minimum safe supporting ranges of mortar and artillery fire.
48. Main Parts.
a. Rifle grenades consist of five main parts.
(1) Grenade body.
(2) Filler.
(3) Fuze assembly.
(4) Stabilizer tube.
(5) Fin assembly.
b. The body, filler, and fuze play the same part in rifle grenades as they do in hand grenades. The fin assembly and the stabilizer tube provide the grenade with its proper ballistic characteristics, giving the grenade stability in flight.
SECTION II - Accessories.
49. General.
There are several accessories required for the projection of rifle grenades from the service rifle. Rifle grenades require a means of attachment to the rifle, a means of propelling the grenade to the intended target, and a means of sighting the rifle to accurately engage the target.
49. Grenade Launchers and Grenade Retainer Spring.
Although the M14 and Ml6Al are the standard rifles presently in use in the active Army, the Ml rifle is still used by the reserve components of our Army and by the armies of many of our allies.
Accordingly, information on the accessories used with the Ml rifle is included in this publication.
a. M7A3 Grenade Launcher (1, fig. 18).
The M7 A3 grenade launcher is designed for use with the caliber .30, Ml rifle. The launcher has 9 annular rings and grooves numbered from 6 at the muzzle end of the launcher to 4A near the launcher's base. These annular rings and grooves have no metric or yard values as such; however, the closer the base of the rifle grenade is placed to the 4A position, the farther the grenade can be projected.
Ball ammunition may be fired from the rifle when the launcher is attached, although the launcher's added weight will slightly disturb the weapon's zero. On the forward end of the launcher is a clip-type retainer spring, which holds the grenade in the desired position once it is joined to the launcher. When the launcher is attached to the rifle, the stud on the frame of the launcher rests on top of the valve in the gas cylinder lockscrew of the rifle. When a grenade is fired from the launcher, a slide and spring assembly in the launcher frame (fits against the bayonet stud) allows the launcher to move slightly to the rear.
This slight, independent recoil causes the stud to open the valve in the gas cylinder lockscrew, permitting the gas to escape. This action prevents excessive recoil and precludes damage to the operating parts of the rifle because of excessive gas pressure. The launcher is returned to its original position by the action of the compressed spring in the launcher frame, permitting the valve in the gas cylinder lockscrew to close.
Figure 17. Direct and high-angle direct fire with rifle grenade.
Figure 18. Grenade launchers and grenade retainer spring.
b. M76 Grenade Launcher (2, fig. 18).
The M76 grenade launcher is used with the 7.62-mm, M14 rifle. The launcher weighs 7 ounces and is approximately 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. The launcher has 9 annular grooves numbered from 6 near the muzzle of the launcher to 4A near the base of the launcher. The function of the annular grooves on the M76 launcher is the same as that of the M7 A3 launcher. On the muzzle end of the launcher is a clip-type retainer spring which holds the grenade in the desired position prior to firing. The launcher slides over the flash suppressor and is secured to the rifle by a clip latch that snaps over the bayonet stud on the flash suppressor.
c. Grenade Retainer Spring (3, fig. 18).
This spring is used with the M16 and M16Al rifles. Its function is to secure the grenade to the rifle. This feature eliminates the requirement to use the M7 A3 or the M76 grenade launchers. The grenade retainer spring must be replaced after 30 grenade firings.
51. Special Grenade Cartridges.
Special grenade cartridges are easily identified by sight or touch by their five-pointed, starcrimped ends. There are no authorized special grenade cartridges for the caliber .30 carbine. Rifle grenades will not be fired from this weapon. Field expedient grenade cartridges, such as blank ammunition or service ammunition, with or without the projectile removed, are not to be used to project grenades.
a. M3 Rifie Grenade Cartridge (1, fig. 19). The M3 special grenade cartridge is the .30 caliber cartridge used with the Ml rifle. It is slightly longer than its 7 .62-mm counterpart, the M64 special grenade cartridge.
b. M64 Rifie Grenade Cartridge (2, fig. 19). The M64 special grenade cartridge is the 7 .62-mm cartridge used with the M14 rifle. c. M195 Rifle Grenade Cartridge (3, fig. 19). The M195 special grenade cartridge is the .223 caliber (5.56-mm) cartridge used with the M16 and M16Al rifles. It is similar in appearance to the M3 and M64 cartridges but is slightly smaller.
52. M15 Sight.
a. The M15 sight (1, fig. 20) is used to accurately deliver a grenade to its intended target. This sight can be used with either the Ml or the M14 rifle. The sight is attached to the rifle by a mounting plate, which is installed and removed only by supporting unit maintenance personnel. The mounting plate contains an elevation scale graduated in 5° increments from 0° to 60°. The scale is numbered at each 10° mark.
b. The M15 sight consists of a sight bar on which a front sight post and a rear peep sight (2, fig. 20) are mounted. These are used in the same manner as the iron sights on a rifle when grenades are fired in the direct-fire role. Beneath the peep sight is an elevation screw which moves the rear peep sight. On the rear of the peep sight are 4 graduations, each equal to a 1 ° change in elevation. Five clicks on the elevation screw moves the peep sight 1 °. The elevation screw, the front sight post, and the rear peep sight are not used for high-angle direct fire. Instead, the sight bar assembly is rotated until the index line of the sight mounting bracket is alined with the appropriate degree setting on the mounting plate elevation scale. After alining the muzzle of the grenade launcher with the target, the grenadier raises or lowers the rifle muzzle until the leveling bubble in the leveling vial is centered. This procedure places the rifle on the same angle as indicated on the elevation scale of the sight mounting plate. No special sight is used with the 5.56-mm (Ml6 and M16Al) rifles. The marked sling (chapter 5) is used to obtain correct elevation settings on these weapons.
53. Spindle Valve.
(Figure 21)
The spindle valve on the M14 rifle controls the gases used in firing the rifle and rifle grenades. To prevent damage to the working parts of the rifle, the spindle valve slot must be turned to the closed position (parallel to the barrel) when firing rifle grenades. This closing permits the full pressure of the gases created by the firing of the special grenade cartridge to be utilized in propelling the rifle grenade and prevents bypass of the gas into the gas cylinder.
Figure 19. Rifle grenade cartridges.
54. Grenade Projection Adapter.
To project hand grenades from the service rifle, a fourth accessory is required in addition to those already mentioned-the grenade projection adapter. There are presently two standard grenade projection adapters: the M1A2 and the M2Al.
a. M1A2 Grenade Projection Adapter (1, figure 22). The M1A2 grenade projection adapter is olive drab in color and consists of a fin assembly, a stabilizer tube, and three metal claws. The longest of the claws contains an arming clip, which is held in place by a brittle piece of metalthe arming clip retainer.
When joining the grenade to the adapter, the grenade's safety lever is inserted into the arming clip, and the grenade is forced down onto the adapter until it is fully seated in the cup at the top of the stabilizer tube. The safety pin is removed before the grenade is fired. Extreme care must be taken to insure that the arming clip retainer is not broken and that the striker of the grenade does not have sufficient room to rotate on its axis and strike the primer. When the grenade is fired, inertia causes the arming clip to break the brittle arming clip retainer.
Figure 20. M15 sight.
This action releases the safety lever from the grenade and allows the grenade to function in the normal manner. The M1A2 grenade projection adapter is used to project the MK2, the M26, and the M26Al fragmentation hand grenades, the M30 practice hand grenade, the M34 WP smoke hand grenade, and the MKI illuminating hand grenade.
b. M2A1 Grenade Projection Adapter (2, figure 22).
The M2Al grenade projection adapter is gray in color and consists of a fin assembly, a stabilizer tube, and three short claws. In place of the arming clip, the M2Al has a setback band consisting of a spring and a thin metal band. When joining the grenade to the adapter, the grenade is forced down onto the adapter until it is fully seated and held securely in place by the adapter's claws. The setback band is then placed over the grenade's safety lever in such a manner that the spring is centered on the safety lever and positioned approximately ½-inch from its tip.
The safety pin is removed before the grenade is fired. When the grenade is fired, t1ie thrust of the grenade being propelled forward drives the setback band rearward. This action releases the safety lever from the grenade and allows the grenade to function in the normal manner. The M2Al grenade projection adapter is used to project the M6- and M7-series of riot control hand grenades, the AN-M8 HC white smoke hand grenade, the AN-M14 TH3 incendiary hand grenade, and the M18 colored smoke hand grenade.
Note. The rifle must be loaded with a special grenade cartridge before attaching rifle grenades. This procedure facilitates quick firing if the grenade's fuze begins to function prematurely after removal of the safety pin.
Figure 21. Spindle valve.
SECTION III. TYPES OF RIFLE GRENADES.
55. High Explosive Antitank Rifle Grenade.
(1, Figure 23)
In the future, the roles of the M31 HEAT rifle grenade will be fulfilled by the M72 light antitank weapon when sufficient quantities of that item become available for the Army's world-wide requirements.
a. Body.
The body of the grenade is made of a copper-coated steel alloy. The fin assembly and the stabilizer tube are made of an aluminum alloy to reduce the weight of the grenade. The grenade is painted olive drab and has yellow markings to identify the filler as a high explosive.
b. Filler.
9.92 ounces of composition B in the form of a shaped charge.
c. M211 Fuze.
This fuze is point initiating and base detonating. The fuze is armed at a distance of 6-12 meters from the rifle by setback action. The nose of the grenade contains a piezoelectric (lucky) crystal. When the grenade's impact crushes the crystal, it sends an electrical impulse through a copper wire to the fuze located at the base of the grenade body. The fuze itself consists of an arming rotor, a spring-driven contact, and a small booster pellet. When the electrical impulse reaches the detonator in the fuze, the grenade's explosive train is initiated.
d. Weight. 25 ounces.
e. Capabilities.
The M31 can be fired in the direct-fire role to a maximum effective range of 115 meters or in the high-angle direct-fire role to a maximum range of 185 meters. The grenade has the capability of penetrating 25 centimeters (10 inches) of homogeneous steel armor or 50 centimeters (20 inches) of reinforced concrete. In the high-angle direct-fire role, the grenade has an effective casualty radius of 15 meters. The M31 archives armor penetration by means of the Munroe Principle (2, figure 23) of the shaped charge. The Munroe Principle is governed by the following three properties of explosive reactions:
(1) An explosive force reacts against the weakest force containing it. In the M31, this containing force is a thin sheet of copper which forms an inverted cone liner. This cone gives the filler its shaped effect. The grenade's hollow nose provides the proper standoff distance for the explosive forces to converge.
(2) An explosive force reacts against the force containing it at right angles. In the case of the M31, we see them reacting against the copper cone at right angles and moving toward each other.
(3) Converging explosive forces combine to form a third and greater force known as the explosive jet. In the M31, the jet is a combination of heat and force which will melt a path through armor and carry pieces of molten armor through it. These molten chunks then rapidly return to solid form. In the case of an armored vehicle, the jet penetrates the vehicle's body armor, as described above, and also flakes off pieces of the inner side of the armored hull. This fragmented armor richochets about the interior of the vehicle's body, killing personnel and detonating sensitive ammunition.
Figure 22. Grenade projection adapters.
56. M19A1 White Phosphorus Smoke Rifle Grenade.
The roles of the Ml9Al white phosphorous smoke grenade are being fulfilled by the M34 WP smoke hand grenade and other munitions. The M19Al grenade is being phased out of use as existing quantities are exhausted.
a. Body.
Sheet steel. (The grenade has the same markings as the M34 WP smoke hand grenade.)
b. Filler. 8.5 ounces of white phosphorous.
c. Fuze.
The M19Al rifle grenade employs a mechanical impact detonating fuze. Prior to firing the grenade from the rifle, the safety pin, which passes through the stabilizer tube, must be removed. When the grenade's nose strikes a solid object, the fuze's firing pin overcomes spring tension by inertia and strikes the fuze's primer. The primer emits an intense flash of heat to explode the detonator, which in turn ruptures the grenade body and disperses the filler.
d. Weight. 24 ounces.
e. Capabilities.
The Ml9Al grenade can be projected 195 meters from the service rifle. The grenade has an effective casualty radius of 10 meters; however, particles of white phosphorous may be projected 20 meters from the grenade's detonation point. The white phosphorous will burn for 60 seconds at approximately 5000° F.
Figure 22-a. Grenade projection adapters.
57. M22 Series of Colored Smoke Rifle Grenades.
(1, figure 24)
The M22-series of colored smoke rifle grenades are being replaced by ground pyrotechnic signals and other chemical munitions. The M22-series of rifle grenades are issued in three colors : red, green, and yellow.
a. Body.
The grenade body is steel. There is a nose closing plug at the top of the grenade which is NOT to be removed. There are five emission holes at the base of the rifle grenade. (For color code markings, see app D, table 3.) The color of the base identifies the color of the grenade's smoke.
b. Filler. 6.5 ounces of colored smoke mixture.
c. Fuze.
The M22-series of rifle grenades employ a mechanical impact igniting-type fuze which ignites the colored smoke charge upon impact. This rifle grenade has a safety clip on the stabilizer tube which must be removed just prior to firing.
d. Weight. 20.2 ounces.
e. Capabilities.
The M22-series of rifle grenades are used for signaling and laying down smoke screens. The smoke charge burns approximately 1 minute. The grenade has a range of over 200 meters.
Figure 23. M31 HEAT rifle grenade and the munroe principle of the shaped charge.
58. M23A1 Colored Smoke Streamer Rifle Grenade.
(2, figure 24)
The M23Al colored smoke streamer rifle grenade is being replaced by ground pyrotechnic signals and other chemical munitions. The grenade is being phased out of use as existing quantities are exhausted. The M23Al rifle grenade is issued in three colors : red, green, and yellow.
a. Body.
The grenade body is sheet steel. There is an air intake hole at the top of the grenade and four emission holes at its base. (For color code markings, see app D, table 3.) The color of the base of the grenade body identifies the color of the grenade's smoke.
b. Filler.
6.5 ounces of colored smoke mixture.
c. Fuze.
The M23Al rifle grenade employs an igniter which is activated by the flash of the special grenade cartridge being fired. The igniter sets off the burning smoke charge. The smoke charge is forced out of the grenade body by the air pressure created by the intake of air into the intake hole in the nose of the grenade. This hole and holes in the base of the body are covered with adhesive tape to prevent mvisture from damaging the filler. The tape is removed before firing.
d. Weight. 18.5 ounces.
e. Capabilities.
The M23Al rifle grenade is used only for signaling purposes and emits a trail of colored smoke for 12 seconds.' The grenade attains ranges in excess of 200 meters when fired from the service rifle.
Figure 24-25. Chemical rifle grenades (Right) and Practice rifle grenades (Left).
59. Practice and Training Rifle Grenades.
There are presently three types of practice rifle grenades in Army use. Practice grenades are used to train personnel to handle rifle grenades before they receive training with live or service rifle grenades.
a. M11A4 Practice Rifle Grenade (1, figure 25).
The M11A4 rifle grenade is used to simulate the flight characteristics of the Ml9Al and M23Al rifle grenades. The M11A4 grenade is made of steel and its parts are reusable and interchangeable.
b. M29 Practice Rifle Grenade (2, figure 25).
The M29 rifle grenade is obsolete, and is used only to a limited extent as a replacement item for the M31 practice rifle grenade. The M29 grenade is made of cast iron and is entirely inert. It was originally developed to simulate the flight characteristics of the M28 HEAT rifle grenade, which has been replaced by the M31 HEAT rifle grenade.
c. M31 Practice Rifle Grenade (3, figure 25).
The M31 practice rifle grenade is used to simulate the ballistic characteristics of the M31 HEAT rifle grenade. The M31 grenade is made of sheet steel and aluminum and contains no filler and :r'l fuze. The M31 practice rifle grenade weighs 25 ounces and has a maximum range of 150 meters. There are no replacement parts for the grenade.