A grenadier is a soldier who specializes in throwing grenades or other explosive devices as well as using assault rifles or other firearms. The term originated in the 17th century when soldiers belonging to the grenade-throwing specialists of the French army were called "Grenadiers". Today, grenadiers still serve in modern military organizations around the world as experts in explosives and infantry tactics. They are often deployed in special operations, urban warfare, and other combat situations that require the use of close-quarter combat tactics and intense firepower.