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    Leaving an explosive legacy

    Leaving an explosive legacy

    Photo By Sgt. Brandon Anderson | Staff Sgt. Brian Klinkiewicz, a tank commander assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion,...... read more read more

    DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, POLAND

    04.24.2015

    Story by Sgt. Brandon Anderson 

    13th Public Affairs Detachment

    CAMP KONOTOP, Poland - In the movies, the deployment of hand grenades by action heroes taking the pin out with their teeth and launching it hundreds of feet may make for good television, but the reality of this ancient weapon, which dates back to the 8th Century Byzantine Empire, is quite different.

    The Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division participated in a grenade assault course qualification range April 22, 2015, at Camp Konotop, Poland.

    During the course, the Soldiers had to demonstrate their ability to safely go through the steps of deploying the grenade, as well as ensuring it landed within the specified target area.

    Boca Raton, Florida, native, Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Hardin, the senior enlisted adviser for Company D, said this grenade qualification range was the first one he has been on since graduating from basic combat training 15 years earlier.

    “The training has been awesome,” said Hardin. “For some of these Soldiers, this is the first time they've thrown a hand grenade since basic training, and for these troops it's really important they get the opportunity to do this.”

    Hardin said he believes this range is good for the Soldiers, as they often get tunnel vision on accomplishing their daily duties.

    “This is normally the training we're required to do in our home station, but don't often get the chance to do,” said Hardin. “Having the ability to do it here is beneficial to our team as a whole.”

    One Soldier reaping the benefit of the course is Los Angeles native Spc. Elmer Venegas, a gunner assigned to Company D.

    “Going through the different throwing positions before the start of the course helped me qualify on my first try,” said Venegas.

    This a skill they may need for future use, according to Capt. Erik Hamilton, the commanding officer of the company.

    “If you look at the history of tank warfare, you'll find guys throwing hand grenades out of tank turrets,” said Hamilton. “This range gives them the perfect opportunity to get our Soldiers out and familiarize them with hand grenades.”

    The course is new to Camp Konotop, as the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion were the ones who created and implemented it.

    “Just a few days ago, there were trees and small plants growing where we are now,” said Hardin. “Our Soldiers were the ones who devised this course from start to finish, and I couldn't be more proud of them.”

    Hardin said he feels this is a small legacy the Soldiers of Company D are leaving for future units to train on.

    “I think any other unit that comes behind us is going to be proud to use this range,” said Hardin.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.24.2015
    Date Posted: 04.24.2015 11:14
    Story ID: 161132
    Location: DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, PL

    Web Views: 159
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN