The Commander Series Forum

Hi Pete
Bit of a confusion by some players after after reading the Command Phase rules with the change in BKC11 to fixed formations.
The rules on page 4, 42 and 136 make it clear that units have to be organised into formations and must remain under the same command unit for the duration of the game. Formations are composed of one command unit and any number of other units.A formation represents a battalion at the higher level. So an american late war infantry battalion would look like
1 HQ
9 Infantry Units
2 Support units MG
1 Support Unit 81mm mortar
1 Truck
1 Support Unit ATG
The confusion has come about after reading the last paragraph on page 17 of the Command Phase example. "The only other thing you are able to do is issue orders to one formation then issue orders to another formation using the same command unit etc". The page is the same as in the original version of the rules.
So we had 2 views on the command phase for formations.
1. In the command phase the HQ can issue orders to as many units in the battalion as he chooses until the command roll is failed. The phase is then over for that Command Unit
2. Although the battalion is a formation under the one command unit. A player can choose to issue orders as per page 17 to any part of the battalion units he chooses until the command roll is failed. Then that same command unit could issue a new set of orders to as many of the remaining part of the battalions units he chooses not originally issued orders again until the command roll failed.
Therefore using the above battalion could you please cover the command phase options open to a player?
cheers
John

John,

I think you have the answer in your points 1 and 2, as I read it.

Your battalion can be split up for purposes of order giving, and until their HQ fails, the HQ can issue commands (eg fire, move, deploy, assault). The only proviso being once you stop with one part of the formation, say the two MGs you cannot go back to them after giving orders to another set of units under that HQs command even though you have not yet failed.

When the HQ fails that is it. EXCEPT that any parts not having had an order / command, (eg unsuccessful attempt or simply left out before HQ failed) then the CO could attempt to give an order later.

EG., say the truck had been towing the atg previously and had been left out in current move, it could now be ordered by the CO either as a failed command (on a minus 1 factor plus distance) or as a unit who has simply not yet been given a command (assuming you are playing with just one CO who represents that battalions Regimental commander. (Do the US army use Regiments? Hopefully you see my point?)

I hope this helps?
Carl Luxford

The key point as Carl mentioned is that once an HQ fails a command roll it is over for that HQ for the turn. That HQ is not allowed to command another unit that turn.

Once the CO fails a command roll its over for that side for the turn.

Certain nations have command units that can issue orders to units in other formations - see tactical doctrine on p.43.