Back in Basic we threw dummy grenades frequently. Object was to learn how to get a high arc and air burst rather than ground. I know times have changed but I can’t remember anyone having a problem with getting a grenade safely down range.
I know times have changed but I can’t remember anyone having a problem with getting a grenade safely down range.
I can. My basic training was in Jan/Feb 1971. After throwing dummy grenades, the time came for us to throw live ones. Our platoon was lined up in a bunker with our backs to the wall so we could not see the grenades being thrown. The assistant drill instructor (ADI) called each of our names as our turn came up, and watched us as we went to a wall where the senior DI (SDI) handed us a grenade to throw over a wall. One of the guys was very uncoordinated and, as he went out, we were saying to each other that he was going to goof up. The assistant DI kept saying that he would be okay. As the kid threw the grenade, the ADI said, “he’ll get it over the HOLY S___”. The guy dropped the grenade and the SDI picked it up and just barely got it over the wall.
I saw a trainee get a low airburst about 2 or 3 foot off the ground close to the Russian dummy target.