Throwing of Hand Grenades

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.

1. Employ Grenades. Use the following procedures:
   1. 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).
   2. Grip the hand grenade in the throwing hand.
   3. 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.
   4. Look at the target and throw the grenade using the overhand method so
      that the grenade arcs, landing on or near the target.
   5. 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.
   6. 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.
2. 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:
   1. 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:
      1. Observe the target to mentally estimate the range. Use the proper
         handgrip, and arm the grenade while behind cover.
      2. 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.
      3. Throw the grenade with a natural motion, using the procedures
         described in paragraph A.
      4. 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

2. 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.

   1. Lie down on the stomach with the body parallel to the
      grenade’s intended line of flight. Hold the grenade at chest level.

   2. Place the hands in a push-up position and stand up while
      holding the grenade in the throwing hand.

   3. 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.

   4. Throw the grenade with a natural motion.

   5. After throwing the grenade, drop to the ground on the
      stomach and press flat against the ground.

Prone to Standing Throwing Position

3. Kneeling. The kneeling position reduces the distance
   a Soldier can throw a grenade. It is used primarily when a Soldier has only
   a low wall, a shallow ditch, or similar cover to protect him. Use the
   following procedures when throwing from this position:

   1. Observe the target to mentally estimate the throwing
      distance. Using the proper grip, arm the grenade while behind cover.

   2. Hold the grenade shoulder high and bend the nonthrowing
      knee at a 90-degree angle, placing that knee on the ground. Keep the
      throwing leg straight and locked with the side of the boot firmly on the
      ground. Move the body to face sideways toward the target position. Keep
      the nonthrowing hand at a 45-degree angle with the fingers and thumb
      extended, joined, and pointing toward the enemy position.

   3. Throw the grenade with a natural throwing motion. Push off
      with the throwing foot to give added force to the throw. Follow through
      with the throwing arm as described in paragraph A-5.

   4. Drop to the prone position or behind available cover to
      reduce exposure to fragmentation and direct enemy fire.

Kneeling Throwing Position

4. Prone-To-Kneeling. The kneeling position can also be used
   when the Soldier is in the open. The prone-to-kneeling position allows the
   soldier to throw the grenade farther 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.

   1. Lie down on the stomach with the body parallel to the
      grenade’s intended line of flight. Hold the grenade at chest level.

   2. Place the hands in a push-up position and assume the
      kneeling position while holding the grenade in the throwing hand.

   3. Hold the grenade shoulder high and bend the nonthrowing
      knee at a 90-degree angle, placing that knee on the ground. Keep the
      throwing leg straight and locked, with the side of the boot firmly on the
      ground. Move the body to face sideways toward the target position. Keep
      the nonthrowing hand at a 45-degree angle with the fingers and thumb
      extended, joined, and pointing toward the enemy position. Try to assume a
      good kneeling position-the throw will be longer and more accurate-but
      quickly getting up and preparing the grenade is more important.

   4. After throwing the grenade, drop to the ground on the
      stomach and press flat against the ground

Prone to Kneeling Throwing Position

5. An alternate prone position reduces both distance and
   accuracy and is used only when an individual is pinned down by hostile fire
   and is unable to rise to engage his target. Use the following procedures
   when throwing from the alternate prone position:

   1. Lie down on the back with the body parallel to the
      grenade’s intended line of flight. Hold the grenade at chin-chest level
      and remove the safety pins.

   2. Cock the throwing leg at a 45-degree angle, maintaining
      knee-to-knee contact and bracing the side of the boot firmly on the
      ground. Hold the grenade 4 to 6 inches behind the ear with the arm cocked
      for throwing.

   3. With the free hand, grasp any object that will provide
      added leverage to increase the throwing distance. In throwing the grenade,
      push off with the rearward foot to give added force to the throw. Do not
      lift the head or body when attempting to throw the grenade as this causes
      exposure to direct enemy fire.

   4. After throwing the grenade, roll over onto the stomach and
      press flat against the ground

Alternate Prone Throwing Position