COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan -- “Thumb clip, twist, pull pin, prepare to throw, frag out!”
These words echoed throughout a grenade range located on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji as Combat Logistics Company 36 Marines conducted practice and live-fire grenade training.
The training is part of Exercise Dragon Fire 2013. DF13 is CLC-36’s annual battle skills training exercise that focuses on improving individual and collective combat skills of CLC-36 Marines and sailors with an emphasis on weapons familiarization training.
“Here at CLC-36, we don’t get the opportunity to get out and do this type of training except for this exercise every year. So for us, we try to take full advantage of it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, supply administration chief for CLC-36 and range safety officer. “Today, we got to go out and throw the M-67 grenade. Each Marine got to throw three blue bodies (M-69 practice grenade), as well as one grenade. We had some left over, so even the (commanding officer) and some of the other key personnel got to throw the grenade.”
While using grenades may not be something the Marines of CLC-36 do on a daily basis, it’s training such as this that keeps the Marine Corps ready for combat.
“This training is a huge refresher for everybody, including (staff noncommissioned officers) and officers, but most importantly for the junior Marines, who get out and get that feeling of doing what Marines do best; training and fighting in combat,” said Rodriguez. “It’s always said; no matter what your job is, no matter what your rank is, no matter what your (Military Occupational Specialty) is, there is always the opportunity that you could find yourself in combat and so you really never know. Getting the opportunity to do this refreshes us just in case we are faced with a combat situation.”
From practice throws, to the rehearsing of ditties and correct posture, to the end state of throwing a live grenade, safe training proved to be the prime goal of those in attendance.
Rodriguez also stressed the importance of safety and the steps taken to make sure everyone from the (privates first class) up to the commanding officer get together and make sure they know what they’re doing to ensure everyone’s safety.
Even with the M-67 training completed and all grenade debris cleared from the ground, CLC-36 Marines can now say they’ve had another taste of what some would call, what being a Marine really feels like.
“It was a lot of fun; it went fast, but you learn a lot from it,” said Lance Cpl. Samantha Smith, a heavy equipment mechanic with CLC-36. “Who doesn’t like to throw a grenade? I mean, I get paid to do this.