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When I was taking Army Basic Infantry Training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana in 1966, they didn’t let me throw live grenades because I didn’t have much of a throwing arm. But, during the 1st 2 weeks in Vietnam in February 1967, I was in the Charger Academy of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. After we were issued our weapons weapons there at Tay Ninh, we were take out to the rifle range were we zeroed in our weapons. I did throw a grenade that day. And I got some distance on it. Oh, I was a better shot with the M16 in Nam than I was with the M14 back at Polk.
I remember pulling the pin on the grenade in basic training. I looked it for just a fraction of a second, and the drill sargeant yelled “Throw it!” I threw it (of course, or I wouldn’t be typing this today). It was a training grenade (not full strength) but I imagine it would have done serious damage, if not killed me.
And I did go to Vietnam, but luckily didn’t have to throw any grenades (or shoot any guns). I had a non-combatant role. It was a beautiful country (although very hot in dry season). Shame about the war.
Munch 9 days ago
Darwin award winner.
gozirra2 Premium Member 9 days ago
“Where’s the kaboom? There was supposed to be an Earth-shattering kaboom!”
joeallendoty57 Premium Member 9 days ago
When I was taking Army Basic Infantry Training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana in 1966, they didn’t let me throw live grenades because I didn’t have much of a throwing arm. But, during the 1st 2 weeks in Vietnam in February 1967, I was in the Charger Academy of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. After we were issued our weapons weapons there at Tay Ninh, we were take out to the rifle range were we zeroed in our weapons. I did throw a grenade that day. And I got some distance on it. Oh, I was a better shot with the M16 in Nam than I was with the M14 back at Polk.
joeallendoty57 Premium Member 9 days ago
By the way, Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29, this Saturday.
FireAnt_Hater 9 days ago
I remember pulling the pin on the grenade in basic training. I looked it for just a fraction of a second, and the drill sargeant yelled “Throw it!” I threw it (of course, or I wouldn’t be typing this today). It was a training grenade (not full strength) but I imagine it would have done serious damage, if not killed me.
And I did go to Vietnam, but luckily didn’t have to throw any grenades (or shoot any guns). I had a non-combatant role. It was a beautiful country (although very hot in dry season). Shame about the war.
Ed Brault Premium Member 8 days ago
A famous line from Basic: “Once you pull the pin, Mr. Grenade is NOT your friend!”