May 12, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode, we cover commonly asked questions about Grenades and Pyrotechnics. This topic is sometimes a part of Promotion Board and Soldier of the Month Board MOIs, so we recommend studying this podcast.
These questions come from TC 3-25.150. We recommend reading 3-25.150 at least once during your career, and then using this episode regularly. Listen to it until you feel that you can accurately answer each question, and you will crush this section of your board.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Board Questions podcast where you can study for
your career and your board whileyou relax, commute and do
chores. Today we are going to go over
grenades and pyrotechnics. Let's get started.
Question One What is the main purpose of TC3 Dash 23.30?
(00:20):
Answer One TC3 Dash 23.30 provides leaders with guidance
to train subordinates on the methods, functions, description,
and handling procedures for handgrenades and pyrotechnic signals
and simulators. It contains critical information
and in depth descriptions of munitions currently in
circulation. This publication aims to educate
(00:42):
Soldiers on the fundamentals of munition functions to improve
flexible response when encountering a threat.
It covers aspects from safety procedures and characteristics
to employment techniques, classifications, inspections,
storage, drills, and training. Ultimately, it helps soldiers
understand their equipment, enhancing the military forces
(01:03):
capability and protection while mitigating risk.
Question 2. What is considered the primary
safety mechanism for all hand grenades and pyrotechnics?
Answer to the Soldier is the primary safety mechanism for all
hand grenades and pyrotechnics under their control.
Smart, adaptive, and disciplinedsoldiers are essential for
(01:24):
safety. Soldiers must maintain
situational understanding of friendly forces, the status of
the device, and be able to evaluate the environment to
handle any device properly. Question three.
What personal protective equipment PPE is required at a
minimum when employing hand grenades and pyrotechnics?
(01:45):
Answer 3. At a minimum, PPE must consist
of the soldiers issued helmet, gloves, ear protection approved
by protection and body armor such as an interceptor, body
armor, improved outer tactical vest or plate carrier with small
arms, protective insert sappy plates.
Double hearing protection is required when employing indoors
(02:07):
and in confined spaces, especially because some grenades
have a high decibel index due toblast and sound.
Leaders are responsible for ensuring all soldiers were the
appropriate PPE to mitigate safety risks.
Question 4. What are the key checks a
soldier should perform before employing a hand grenade or
pyrotechnic signal? Answer 4 Before employing hand
(02:30):
grenades or pyrotechnic signals,soldiers should understand where
they intend to use the munition and follow specific employment
rules. These rules include inspecting
all grenades and pyrotechnic signals for serviceability.
Soldiers must also know where all friendly forces are located,
know their sector of fire, and ensure the projected arc of the
(02:51):
grenade or pyrotechnic signal isclear of obstacles.
Additionally, soldiers must positively identify the intended
target area and its surroundings.
Question 5. Where should hand grenades and
pyrotechnics be stowed when not ready for employment?
Answer Five Hand grenades and pyrotechnics should be stowed in
(03:11):
designated pouches. If a designed pouch is not
available, the device should be removed from its individual
fiber canister or hermetically sealed, can inspected, and
returned to the canister in the approved storage method.
Soldiers must not tape the device in any way, carry it
suspended by the safety pull ring or safety lever, or make
(03:32):
unauthorized modifications to the device.
Question 6. What are the daily inspection
checks a soldier should perform on a hand grenade?
Answer 6. Daily inspection checks for hand
grenade should ensure the pull ring with safety clip is
present, fully seated and seatedinto the confidence clip.
If present, the far side of the safety pin split end must be
(03:55):
spread approximately 40° or in adiamond shaped configuration to
prevent accidental removal. The safety clip must be present
and properly secured to the safety lever.
Soldiers should also check the grenade fuse assembly for
tightness and ensure the safety lever is not broken.
Never remove the fuse from a live grenade and do not use a
(04:16):
grenade if the safety lever is broken.
Question 7. What are the main components
that safe hand grenade and pyrotechnics handling procedures
are structured upon? Answer 7 Safe hand grenade and
pyrotechnics handling proceduresare structured on three main
components, the soldier, the device, and the environment.
(04:36):
The soldier must maintain situational understanding, know
the device's status, and be ableto evaluate the environment.
The device is the soldiers tool to defeat threats, and soldiers
must understand its mechanical safeties and principles of
operation. The environment requires the
soldier to be aware of the lethal radius, blast radius,
(04:57):
fire hazard, and what is in front of and behind the target.
Question 8. What are some key considerations
and limitations when employing smoke grenades?
Answer 8. Before employing smoke grenades,
soldiers and leaders must consider the terrain and
understand each munitions limitations.
Wind direction and speed are important.
(05:18):
Grenades should be thrown up wind of the desired location.
Lack of wind and heavy humidity can cause smoke to linger.
Burning type smoke grenades burnoxygen and should not be used in
enclosed or confined spaces as standard protective masks do not
supply oxygen and the smoke can be harmful and cause fires.
Soldiers should never attempt tohold onto a burning type smoke
(05:40):
grenade or cook off the fuse to allow smoke to form before
employment. Question 9.
What are the five hand grenade throwing positions soldiers
should practice? Answer 9.
The five hand grenade throwing positions tailored for training
environments and linked to combat operations are standing,
prone to standing, kneeling, prone to kneeling, and alternate
(06:02):
prone. Practicing these positions
builds proficiency. Question 10 What are the
immediate steps a soldier shouldtake when reacting to a dropped
or thrown grenade nearby? Answer 10 When reacting to a
dropped or thrown grenade, the soldier or leader should
immediately announce grenade to inform the team of the imminent
(06:22):
danger. If time permits, soldiers should
immediately move outside the lethal effective, casualty
producing radius or effective radius of other grenade types.
They should seek cover. If no cover is available,
soldiers should lie in the proneposition with their protective
helmets in the direction of the blast to protect themselves from
shrapnel. At no time should a soldier
(06:45):
attempt to recover, kick, or move a dropped grenade.
Question 11. What is the purpose of mock Bay
training in the hand grenade training strategy?
Answer 11 Mock Bay training is conducted before live Bay
training to introduce Soldiers to throwing commands and provide
additional practice. It allows instructors to Orient
Soldiers to the training pit andexplain the commands used during
(07:08):
live throwing. Crucially, mock Bay training
helps identify Soldiers who require additional training and
exhibit techniques that could bedangerous in the live Bay
environment. Soldiers use practice grenades
like the M-69 or M112 with M228 TPF in the mock Bay.
Question 12 What are some commonuses for smoke grenades in
(07:31):
training and battlefield operations?
Answer 12 Smoke grenades are used in training and battlefield
operations for various purposes.They can be used to signal
ground to air aircraft or groundto ground vehicles.
They are also used to mark landing zones for cargo drop off
or casualty evacuation, mark enemy targets for friendly
(07:52):
forces, create a diversionary tactic, and obscure movement
techniques through terrain and urban areas.
Color-coded smoke indicates different signals.
Question 13. Why is color coding important
for identifying munitions? Answer 13.
Color coding helps visually identify the characteristics of
each munition and its purpose intraining or the operational
(08:15):
environment. Understanding the color coding
allows the thrower to quickly acquire the correct munition,
identify its purpose, and employits capability effectively on
the battlefield. The color is usually on the body
of the grenade or in the markingslash letters sprayed on it
depicting the characteristics ofthe filler.
Question 14. How do drills described in
(08:37):
Appendix C help Soldiers build proficiency and mastery with
hand grenades and pyrotechnics? Answer 14 Drills help build
Soldiers confidence with their equipment and actions under
stress. Through repetition, Soldiers
reinforce drills, making them second nature.
The drills use principles like mindset, performing quickly,
(08:58):
slash effectively under stress, efficiency, least movement,
slash steps, individual tactics,maximizing survival, slash
victory and flexibility adaptable steps.
They are designed to be reliableand repeatable under stress,
create efficiency in motion, anddevelop natural responses
through repetition, building muscle memory and automaticity.
(09:20):
Mastering these drills, such as device inspection, Stow arm, and
throwing positions slash methodsbuilds a high level of
proficiency. Question 15.
When should a soldier arm a handgrenade or pyrotechnic device?
Answer 15 A soldier should arm adevice only when ready to employ
it. During training and combat
(09:42):
operations, soldiers may need toemploy various types of devices,
but they must adhere to specificsafety procedures before
handling each. One.
Part of being ready to employ includes securing the proper
grip, ensuring the capability isrequired, removing mechanical
safeties, alerting friendly troops, and ensuring the flight
path is clear. That's it for today's episode.
(10:06):
Thanks for studying with the Board Questions podcast.
Welcome to the Board Questions podcast where you can study for
your career and your board whileyou relax, commute and do
chores. Today we are going to go over
grenades and pyrotechnics. Let's get started.
Question One What is the main purpose of TC3 Dash 23.30?
(00:20):
Answer One TC3 Dash 23.30 provides leaders with guidance
to train subordinates on the methods, functions, description,
and handling procedures for handgrenades and pyrotechnic signals
and simulators. It contains critical information
and in depth descriptions of munitions currently in
circulation. This publication aims to educate
(00:42):
Soldiers on the fundamentals of munition functions to improve
flexible response when encountering a threat.
It covers aspects from safety procedures and characteristics
to employment techniques, classifications, inspections,
storage, drills, and training. Ultimately, it helps soldiers
understand their equipment, enhancing the military forces
(01:03):
capability and protection while mitigating risk.
Question 2. What is considered the primary
safety mechanism for all hand grenades and pyrotechnics?
Answer to the Soldier is the primary safety mechanism for all
hand grenades and pyrotechnics under their control.
Smart, adaptive, and disciplinedsoldiers are essential for
(01:24):
safety. Soldiers must maintain
situational understanding of friendly forces, the status of
the device, and be able to evaluate the environment to
handle any device properly. Question three.
What personal protective equipment PPE is required at a
minimum when employing hand grenades and pyrotechnics?
(01:45):
Answer 3. At a minimum, PPE must consist
of the soldiers issued helmet, gloves, ear protection approved
by protection and body armor such as an interceptor, body
armor, improved outer tactical vest or plate carrier with small
arms, protective insert sappy plates.
Double hearing protection is required when employing indoors
(02:07):
and in confined spaces, especially because some grenades
have a high decibel index due toblast and sound.
Leaders are responsible for ensuring all soldiers were the
appropriate PPE to mitigate safety risks.
Question 4. What are the key checks a
soldier should perform before employing a hand grenade or
pyrotechnic signal? Answer 4 Before employing hand
(02:30):
grenades or pyrotechnic signals,soldiers should understand where
they intend to use the munition and follow specific employment
rules. These rules include inspecting
all grenades and pyrotechnic signals for serviceability.
Soldiers must also know where all friendly forces are located,
know their sector of fire, and ensure the projected arc of the
(02:51):
grenade or pyrotechnic signal isclear of obstacles.
Additionally, soldiers must positively identify the intended
target area and its surroundings.
Question 5. Where should hand grenades and
pyrotechnics be stowed when not ready for employment?
Answer Five Hand grenades and pyrotechnics should be stowed in
(03:11):
designated pouches. If a designed pouch is not
available, the device should be removed from its individual
fiber canister or hermetically sealed, can inspected, and
returned to the canister in the approved storage method.
Soldiers must not tape the device in any way, carry it
suspended by the safety pull ring or safety lever, or make
(03:32):
unauthorized modifications to the device.
Question 6. What are the daily inspection
checks a soldier should perform on a hand grenade?
Answer 6. Daily inspection checks for hand
grenade should ensure the pull ring with safety clip is
present, fully seated and seatedinto the confidence clip.
If present, the far side of the safety pin split end must be
(03:55):
spread approximately 40° or in adiamond shaped configuration to
prevent accidental removal. The safety clip must be present
and properly secured to the safety lever.
Soldiers should also check the grenade fuse assembly for
tightness and ensure the safety lever is not broken.
Never remove the fuse from a live grenade and do not use a
(04:16):
grenade if the safety lever is broken.
Question 7. What are the main components
that safe hand grenade and pyrotechnics handling procedures
are structured upon? Answer 7 Safe hand grenade and
pyrotechnics handling proceduresare structured on three main
components, the soldier, the device, and the environment.
(04:36):
The soldier must maintain situational understanding, know
the device's status, and be ableto evaluate the environment.
The device is the soldiers tool to defeat threats, and soldiers
must understand its mechanical safeties and principles of
operation. The environment requires the
soldier to be aware of the lethal radius, blast radius,
(04:57):
fire hazard, and what is in front of and behind the target.
Question 8. What are some key considerations
and limitations when employing smoke grenades?
Answer 8. Before employing smoke grenades,
soldiers and leaders must consider the terrain and
understand each munitions limitations.
Wind direction and speed are important.
(05:18):
Grenades should be thrown up wind of the desired location.
Lack of wind and heavy humidity can cause smoke to linger.
Burning type smoke grenades burnoxygen and should not be used in
enclosed or confined spaces as standard protective masks do not
supply oxygen and the smoke can be harmful and cause fires.
Soldiers should never attempt tohold onto a burning type smoke
(05:40):
grenade or cook off the fuse to allow smoke to form before
employment. Question 9.
What are the five hand grenade throwing positions soldiers
should practice? Answer 9.
The five hand grenade throwing positions tailored for training
environments and linked to combat operations are standing,
prone to standing, kneeling, prone to kneeling, and alternate
(06:02):
prone. Practicing these positions
builds proficiency. Question 10 What are the
immediate steps a soldier shouldtake when reacting to a dropped
or thrown grenade nearby? Answer 10 When reacting to a
dropped or thrown grenade, the soldier or leader should
immediately announce grenade to inform the team of the imminent
(06:22):
danger. If time permits, soldiers should
immediately move outside the lethal effective, casualty
producing radius or effective radius of other grenade types.
They should seek cover. If no cover is available,
soldiers should lie in the proneposition with their protective
helmets in the direction of the blast to protect themselves from
shrapnel. At no time should a soldier
(06:45):
attempt to recover, kick, or move a dropped grenade.
Question 11. What is the purpose of mock Bay
training in the hand grenade training strategy?
Answer 11 Mock Bay training is conducted before live Bay
training to introduce Soldiers to throwing commands and provide
additional practice. It allows instructors to Orient
Soldiers to the training pit andexplain the commands used during
(07:08):
live throwing. Crucially, mock Bay training
helps identify Soldiers who require additional training and
exhibit techniques that could bedangerous in the live Bay
environment. Soldiers use practice grenades
like the M-69 or M112 with M228 TPF in the mock Bay.
Question 12 What are some commonuses for smoke grenades in
(07:31):
training and battlefield operations?
Answer 12 Smoke grenades are used in training and battlefield
operations for various purposes.They can be used to signal
ground to air aircraft or groundto ground vehicles.
They are also used to mark landing zones for cargo drop off
or casualty evacuation, mark enemy targets for friendly
(07:52):
forces, create a diversionary tactic, and obscure movement
techniques through terrain and urban areas.
Color-coded smoke indicates different signals.
Question 13. Why is color coding important
for identifying munitions? Answer 13.
Color coding helps visually identify the characteristics of
each munition and its purpose intraining or the operational
(08:15):
environment. Understanding the color coding
allows the thrower to quickly acquire the correct munition,
identify its purpose, and employits capability effectively on
the battlefield. The color is usually on the body
of the grenade or in the markingslash letters sprayed on it
depicting the characteristics ofthe filler.
Question 14. How do drills described in
(08:37):
Appendix C help Soldiers build proficiency and mastery with
hand grenades and pyrotechnics? Answer 14 Drills help build
Soldiers confidence with their equipment and actions under
stress. Through repetition, Soldiers
reinforce drills, making them second nature.
The drills use principles like mindset, performing quickly,
(08:58):
slash effectively under stress, efficiency, least movement,
slash steps, individual tactics,maximizing survival, slash
victory and flexibility adaptable steps.
They are designed to be reliableand repeatable under stress,
create efficiency in motion, anddevelop natural responses
through repetition, building muscle memory and automaticity.
(09:20):
Mastering these drills, such as device inspection, Stow arm, and
throwing positions slash methodsbuilds a high level of
proficiency. Question 15.
When should a soldier arm a handgrenade or pyrotechnic device?
Answer 15 A soldier should arm adevice only when ready to employ
it. During training and combat
(09:42):
operations, soldiers may need toemploy various types of devices,
but they must adhere to specificsafety procedures before
handling each. One.
Part of being ready to employ includes securing the proper
grip, ensuring the capability isrequired, removing mechanical
safeties, alerting friendly troops, and ensuring the flight
path is clear. That's it for today's episode.
(10:06):
Thanks for studying with the Board Questions podcast.
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