FORT KNOX, Kentucky – Marching in from an early morning six-mile ruck, the Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp withstand any exhaustion as they ready themselves to take on the Hand Grenade Assault Course. Gathering around their Cadre, Cadets receive instruction on how to properly handle and throw a M69 training hand grenade, simulating a M67 fragmentation hand grenade, and to identify hand grenade types.

Moving past observation, squads of Cadets are given the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills for 10 minutes on each obstacle they will later get evaluated on. This time to practice is critical for the development of proper familiarization with the form and technique required to pass their impending qualifications.

Cadet William Allen, Virginia Tech, opens up about his personal process for adapting to the Hand Grenade Assault Course.

Though holding military heritage in his family dating as far back as the Revolutionary War, Allen had not been given the opportunity to train with hand grenades until coming to the Hand Grenade Assault Course. Knowing what was expected from him during Cadet Summer Training, Allen took the initiative to prepare on his own before stepping foot onto the course.

“What I’d do is grab either a tennis ball or something that has a little mass to it, crumple it up, and just try to get the basics down in my head and to perfect my form by throwing it,” explained Allen.

When given the time to practice, while instructors are there to answer any questions, Cadets are encouraged to assist each other when they are struggling. Allen cites looking towards his peers for assistance as his primary method for refining his skills when struggling with a weak point. 

“I was struggling a little bit with distance. That’s what inspired me to look at my comrades and see what they’re doing to get the grenade inside the area,” he said. “I see who is excelling, see what they are doing, and pull from them. I give what they are doing a few tries, maybe combining a mix of the two just to learn quickly and see what works for me comfortably.”

After being given the time to attune his knowledge, his mindset is calm and self-assured. Allen concluded his thoughts with advice to future Cadets facing the Hand Grenade Assault Course stating,  “The course is a little menacing and a little challenging but you just got to keep your head up. Keep your spirits high and your head in the game. Learn a lot, learn fast, and you’ll make it through.”

After completion of the Hand Grenade Assault Course qualifications, the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp will switch focus to prepare for the Day and Night Land Navigation event then ultimately, their Field Training Exercises.