What do Navy SEALs Yell When They Throw a Grenade?

When Navy SEALs and other military personnel throw a grenade, the exact command or yell they use can vary based on the type of grenade and the situation. While there are common tactics and communications practices, the specifics can differ between missions and individuals. Here's a detailed look at what you can expect.

The Types of Grenades and Corresponding Yells

Depending on the grenade type, the use of fragmentation grenades is rare in close-range firefights. Instead, smoke or flash bang grenades are more common, especially during breaching operations. In such cases, the grenadier will typically yell 'SMOKE' or 'FLASH' to alert their teammates. However, not everyone on the team is tasked with using grenades, as they are often assigned to the person providing cover fire.

Fun Fact: Roles in a SEAL Team

It's worth noting that not every team member uses grenades. This responsibility is usually assigned based on the mission's requirements and team composition. For instance, during a breach operation, one team member might focus on providing cover fire while another deploys the grenade.

Team Communication and Safety

Regardless of the grenade type, clear and concise communication is essential. When a grenade is thrown, every team member needs to be aware of it. Commands like 'Fire in the hole' or simply yelling 'Grenade' are used to alert teammates in close proximity. For example, if you hear 'Fire in the hole,' it means there is a potentially explosive device being thrown, while 'Flash in the hole' or 'Light in the hole' indicates a flash bang grenade is in use.

Team Coordination During Breaches

During a breach operation, a common scenario might be, "Hey Jimmy…hey…Jimmy. These guys are pissing me off. How about we toss a couple of these in the room and wait for the detonation, and then walk into the room like a couple of pipe hitters and hose the room down with the 240." This could lead to a response like, "Shit Jimmy is listening to Slayer again." While these exchanges are humorous, they highlight the importance of effective communication in high-stress situations.

Training and Protocol

SEALs are trained to avoid actively warning the enemy that a grenade is being thrown. Doing so would defeat the purpose of using a grenade strategically. The emphasis is always on safety and effective combat deployment. While the author of the initial text served in the Navy, the details and protocols may have evolved over time.

For instance, if a message is sent across communication devices (e.g., COMs), the instructions might be, 'Fire in the hole' or 'Flash in the hole' for a light-inducing grenade. However, in the heat of battle, direct, unambiguous commands are paramount.

Conclusion: Understanding the specific yells and commands used by Navy SEALs in grenade deployment can provide valuable insights into the complexities of modern military operations. These protocols emphasize clear communication, strategic deployment, and the safety of teammates above all else.