What is an M-18?

The M-18 is specifically a smoke grenade used by the United States Marine Corps and other military branches, designed to create a smoke screen for obscuring movement and enhancing concealment on the battlefield. Its primary purpose is to provide a visual barrier, allowing troops to maneuver without being seen by the enemy. The M-18 can produce a colored smoke, typically either green, white, or red, which can also serve for signaling purposes. This capability is vital in various tactical operations where cover and communication are essential.

Other types of grenades serve different purposes; for example, fragmentation grenades are designed to explode and disperse shrapnel to harm personnel, while incendiary grenades are used to create fire. Practice grenades, on the other hand, are non-lethal and are used primarily for training purposes to simulate the characteristics of various grenade types without the associated risks of live munitions. However, the M-18's unique function as a smoke-producing device emphasizes its role in tactical operations rather than as a weapon for direct combat.