Simple Questions
 

1. What is the function of Forward Observers? I think there is no difference when plotting the artillery fire using A0 unit or FO units.

2. What is the function of right clicking an infantry unit to empty hex to reveal its field of vision. I notice that the "Unit View" button can replace this method. Is it for changing an infantry unit's position on a hex so that it will suffer less damage just like in armored vehicles?

Thanks

Re: Simple Questions
 

1) Yes there IS a difference, and significant one. To see it, just plot arty mission, then try to shift the target point with HQ and with FO and you'll see for yourself http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

2) Right-click changes facing, so it has more sense for tanks, but... IIRC unit has better chance of opfiring or just spotting enemy if it is facing to him. You can manage to sneak pretty close to unit facing in the other direction, but good luck if they face you.

Re: Simple Questions
 

1) The HQ unit class (if not campaign upgraded to another unit class) is a "semi" FOO anyway. Battle group HQ is assumed to have an arty liaison guy attached (but not if you convert him to an armoured car or whatever).

Try a normal non-FOO HQ unit vs a real FOO team as an observer and check:

- Time to call a new mission (FOO has less delay)
- Shifting of fires FOO vs non-FOO (FOOs can shift more in the same time)
- Accuracy, esp of fires plotted blind to the observer but also where the mission is in LOS of the spotter (FOO has less drift than a regular grunt)

Also - depending on how many observers bought and mission type (and especially so for post 1970s in MBT - details in the change history of the MBT GG) - check how many gold spots you get offered. You do not get the guaranteed 10 spots in all battles (esp meeters) any more!.

2) Right clicking makes the unit "look" in a new facing - and so possibly detect previously unseen targets.

The "all visible hexes" button has absolutely nothing to do with searching, it simply shows all hexes in LOS of the unit, a completely different (but useful) piece of info. Saves having to click in 6 different directions to determine field of view when placing units.

cheers
Andy

Re: Simple Questions
 

Thanks for the reply.
One question:
1. Does the effect of Leadership Skill (infantry, arty, armor) only affect the immediate subordinates or can be applied to all units?

Re: Simple Questions
 

It affects the element with the skill, also if it is a leader then it may be used to coach its subordinates if very close by.

Cheers
Andy