Historical Uses
Colored smoke grenades were first used by American forces during the Vietnam War. They were used to prevent the Viet Cong from employing a tactic known as a false flag maneuver. The Viet Cong would attempt to draw enemy air forces into an ambush by popping standard smoke grenades, or "false flags." By using colored grenades, American troops could provide air forces with a color specific target and help them to avoid enemy ambushes.