When to Announce a Grenade Throw in Combat

The debate over whether and when to announce a grenade throw during combat is a topic that comes up frequently among military and tactical trainers. Traditionally, it has been a fundamental operation to warn teammates about an imminent grenade throw. However, in the heat of combat, is it truly necessary to shout this callout? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of announcing a grenade throw and when it might be beneficial.

The Traditional Approach: Announcing the Grenade Throw

Initial Training and Protocol

From the very beginning of basic training, soldiers are taught to warn their teammates when they are about to throw a grenade. The primary rationale behind this is to ensure that everyone else on the team takes cover and remains safe. This callout is typically: 'GRENADE!!!' This is a time-honored tradition in many military units, and there's a reason for it.

Why the Callout is Important

The answer is simple: seconds count, and every soldier's life is valuable. The four seconds before the explosion can make all the difference. By shouting, the entire team has time to seek cover before the grenade detonates. This can be the difference between life and death, especially when your squad is out in the field.

The Modern Battlefield: No Need to Advertise the Obvious

No Need for a Callout in Combat

In a real combat scenario, the situation is often more complex. Your comrades probably already know where the action is and what's happening. There's no need to announce a grenade throw when the action is clearly visible or when a teammate is about to throw an RPG at an enemy RPG gunner. It's distracting and time-consuming. In moments of crisis, one must stay focused.

The Role of Positioning

When it comes to hand grenades, your squad members aren't just standing in a straight line. The grenade is usually thrown by the first or second member of the squad facing the enemy. The rest of the team is engaged in watching the throw, and there's no need to call out 'GRENADE!!!' since it's already clear to everyone what's happening.

Risk Considerations

One concern is whether the grenade might accidentally hit your own teammates. However, if you're risking your own safety by throwing a grenade and it has the potential to harm your own squad, you might as well not throw it at all. In most cases, this isn't a significant risk, especially in open spaces where the grenade's range and effects are limited.

Context-Sensitive Tactical Communication

Outdoor Scenarios

In outdoor scenarios with friendlies on the line, it is often beneficial to announce the grenade throw. It provides a crucial safety measure and can prevent friendly fire, which can happen in the heat of battle. It's difficult to ascertain the source of a grenade explosion from a distance, and any clarification can be invaluable.

Within Establishments

When clearing buildings or performing door breaching, the situation requires more stealth. In these scenarios, a team might hold up the grenade and ensure that the closest teammates see it clearly. This method avoids unnecessary noise that could alert the enemy and maintains the element of surprise.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to announce a grenade throw depends on the context and the situation. In outdoor scenarios with friendlies on the line, a callout can be beneficial for safety. In stealth operations like building clearance, it's more practical to communicate silently through body language. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific circumstances and the need for clarity and safety in the moment.

In summary, the practice of announcing a grenade throw remains a fundamental protocol, but it should be adjusted based on the situation. In unpredictable and complex combat scenarios, tactical communication serves to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the team.