Pursuers considered in close combat?

[fgilson]

I would think if one of my BGs is pursuing a routing enemy BG it is considered "in close combat". However, the Glossary of Terms, page 134, defines "Close Combat" as a general term for impact and melee combat, which a pursuit is not. It also states "...battle groups are deemed to be in close combat until one side breaks off, BREAKS or..."

Also, page 100, "Fighting Broken Troops" states "There is no explicit shooting or close combat against, or by, broken troops."

So, it would seem that pursuers are not in close combat...and therefore they are not under the restrictions of troops in close combat...and could, if otherwise eligible, evade? (etc.)

[deadtorius]

Pursuers are preoccupied with slaughter of the unfortunates who won't fight back. If you want them to stop you can try to rally them in the JAP. If they rally they can stop pursuit if they fail they will continue to pursue. Those are your choices pursue till your target autobreaks and disappears, runs off the table edge or you rally and make them stop. sometimes pursuing is a hazardous occupation.

[fgilson]

Then the rule that keeps pursuers in contact with routers "no matter what" is page 107, Routers and Pursuers, first bullet:
"Pursuers who remain in contact with routers MUST pursue unless they pass a CMT to stop pursuit..." (emphasis on MUST mine)

Thus pursuers cannot evade...however, pursuers are still not in close combat, correct? So a general NOT with the pursuers can influence their cohesion tests.

[petedalby]

Thus pursuers cannot evade...however, pursuers are still not in close combat, correct? So a general NOT with the pursuers can influence their cohesion tests.

That's how I'd read it - yes.

[hammy]

Thus pursuers cannot evade...however, pursuers are still not in close combat, correct? So a general NOT with the pursuers can influence their cohesion tests.

Or more significantly a commander not with pursuers can influence their CMTs. Sort of an "Oy, you lot over there, stop chasing them and get back to doing some real work!"

[peterrjohnston]

Thus pursuers cannot evade...however, pursuers are still not in close combat, correct? So a general NOT with the pursuers can influence their cohesion tests.

That's how I'd read it - yes.

The pursuers remaining in contact needing to pass a CMT to stop pursuing is in the JAP. It's better to also read the text before the bullet point "...move in every joint action phase as follows:...". It therefore only refers to the JAP, so you can still evade in the impact phase as they are not in close combat (assuming of a type and formation who can do so).

[fgilson]

So then they CAN evade?

[TERRYFROMSPOKANE]

Yes. If otherwise allowed to evade in the Impact Phase, being in contact with a routing BG does not prevent the evade.

Terry G.