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Grenades are a pivotal tool in Close Quarter Combat (CQC), serving multiple roles that enhance the effectiveness of small unit tactics within confined and complex environments like buildings, trenches, and urban areas. Their usage ranges from clearing rooms and trenches to breaking enemy cover and creating smoke screens for concealment or signaling. In CQC, grenades are valued for their ability to project force beyond the thrower’s immediate vicinity, affecting targets around corners or behind cover where direct fire may not reach.

There are a number of grenade types to be utilized in CQC. One is the Fragmentation Grenades. Its primary use is to inflict casualties through the dispersion of high-speed metal fragments upon detonation. Fragmentation grenades are ideal for clearing rooms or trenches. A well-thrown fragmentation grenade can neutralize enemy combatants in enclosed spaces before entry, reducing risks to assaulting forces.

The second type is Concussion (Demolition) Grenades. They deliver lethal blast effects with minimal fragmentation, focusing on shock waves to neutralize targets. Their application is crucial in environments where collateral damage is imminent with the use of fragmentation grenades, or when the objective is to stun or incapacitate enemies within a confined space without causing extensive fragmentation.

Smoke Grenades produce a thick cloud of smoke upon detonation, available in various colors. They are utilized for concealment during movement, to signal positions or intentions, or to blind enemy observation and fire in tight engagement areas.

Flashbang (Stun) Grenades emit a blinding flash and an extremely loud bang without causing permanent harm, designed to disorient. This type of grenades may be used for room-clearing operations. The disorientation allows assaulting forces to enter and gain control of a room with a significant tactical advantage.

Incendiary Grenades ignite fires upon detonation, using a variety of combustible chemicals. While their use is more niche in CQC, incendiary grenades can be used to destroy enemy equipment, clear vegetation, or create barriers of fire in specific tactical situations.

Incendiary weapons are designed to start fires, using chemicals like magnesium powder and white phosphorus. They ignite rather than detonation. An example is the Napalm (a petrochemical mixture), that was developed at Harvard University in 1942 for the US Army. 

Techniques

Proper throwing techniques are essential to ensure grenades reach their intended destination without exposing the thrower to enemy fire. Training emphasizes the ability to throw grenades accurately while behind cover.

Understanding the fuse timing of grenades is crucial. This knowledge allows soldiers to time their throws to minimize the chance of enemy forces throwing the grenade back or taking cover effectively.

Grenades are often used in breach and clear operations to gain an immediate tactical advantage. A common tactic is to throw a flashbang or fragmentation grenade into a room immediately before entry, following up with rapid assault to neutralize disoriented or wounded enemies.

The use of grenades in CQC requires a high level of awareness and discipline to avoid self-harm or injuring friendly forces. This includes knowing when not to use a grenade due to proximity to non-combatants or the potential for structural collapse in dilapidated buildings.

Soldiers must also be acutely aware of their environment when employing grenades in CQC, taking into account factors like room size, the presence of flammables, or the potential for ricochet in enclosed spaces.

In summary, grenades are an indispensable part of the CQC arsenal, offering versatility, the element of surprise, and the capability to project power into areas not directly accessible by firearms. Their effective use requires careful consideration, training, and tactical acumen to maximize their benefits while minimizing risks to the user and non-combatants.