a. Valve handle. The pressure-tank valve is operated by turning a handle on the valve flexible shaft within reach of the firer. Counterclockwise operation of handle releases pressure to the fuel tanks. Clockwise turning closes the valve.
b. Trigger. The trigger is at the front grip of the gun. Pulling the trigger vigorously ignites an incendiary charge in the ignition cylinder. This in turn ignites the fuel as it leaves the gun. The trigger action also causes the ignition cylinder to revolve one-fifth of a turn, presenting another charge for firing. Each of the five charges may thus be used in rapid succession, if necessary, by pulling the trigger vigorously as many as five times.
c. Valve lever and grip safety. The valve lever and grip safety are mounted on opposite sides of the valve grip of the gun. When both controls are compressed, fuel is propelled from the gun. If either the valve lever or the grip safety is not compressed, the fuel valve remains closed and the fuel remains in the weapon.
Section VII OPERATION UNDER USUAL CONDITIONS
15. TRAINING.
Effective use of the M2-2 portable flame thrower can be achieved only by diligent practice with the weapon. Untrained firers or assistants should never be sent on a mission.
a. Practice. Firers should practice under varying conditions of wind, range, elevation, depression, and traverse. The shortness of the total firing time (approximately 8 to 9 seconds) demands split-second judgment and coordination.
b. Use of water in training. Water may be used (instead of fuel) for elementary practice firing. Ignition cylinders are not used with water. The water under pressure may cause serious injuries to personnel at 10 yards. After practice with water, the gun should be disassembled (Pars [73] through [76]), cleaned and dried piece by piece, and lubricated. ([Par 49])
c. Use of fuel in training. When using fuel in training, select or prepare a practice field of fire which provides at least 125 yards for range and 30 yards for spread. If the field contains dry grass, brush, or other flammable material, a fire-fighting squad should be available with equipment and source of water. Assistants and observers should stay well behind the firer because of danger from wind shifts. See Paragraph 40 for additional precautions.