Frag out! Airmen attend last Air Force-only grenade training class

by Airman 1st Class Christian Clausen
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

9/5/2014 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada -- Approximately 150 Security Forces Airmen attended the last M-67 Fragmentation Grenade training class Aug. 30-31, 2014, at Silver Flag Alpha, Nevada.

Like many before them, these Airmen completed the class as part of their pre-deployment training, which is done through the 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron at Silver Flag.

The course teaches students the purposes and types of grenades as well as how to inspect, maintain, and employ them in various situations and positions. Students then use practice grenades and finally, head to the range to use live grenades.

"This course gives Airmen another tool for the toolbox," said Tech. Sgt. Randall Disch, 99th GCTS Combat Arms instructor. "Any time you can give them another tool or way to neutralize a threat, it's going to be beneficial in the long run. It also gives them more confidence and calms their nerves to be able to use [grenades] more effectively."

When used properly, the M-67 fragmentation grenade can be used to eliminate enemy threats within five meters and 360 degrees of the grenade.

The idea for the course spawned after an attack overseas at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, when Taliban insurgents attempted to breach the gates of the base wearing vests packed with explosives. The attack resulted in 10 Americans injured.

"We started the grenade mission in 2011," Disch said. "There was an attack where defenders either didn't have grenades or were improperly using grenades. After that, we started training for proper use of grenades again."

Despite training with lethal and live grenades, the course has never had a mishap or even a single student failure.

"Our combat arms instructors are the cream of the crop and are selectively assigned to that section," said 1st Lt. Matthew Cole, 99th GCTS officer in charge. "Students who require special attention are identified early and [pre-deployment training requirements] are all met in accordance with area of responsibility reporting instructions."

After two days of training, all 150 students passed the course and are now ready to use a grenade if absolutely needed.

"I believe that the class went well," Cole said. "All students took the training seriously and learned a great deal about a very lethal weapon."

Since the introduction of the course, Silver Flag has been the only Air Force range approved to do live grenade training and employment. However, starting next year, the course will be consolidated with the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas.