Scouting Questions

[Tac2i]

It is my understanding that a scout infantry unit can reveal a hidden unit 2 squares away.

1. Is this automatic for the scout infantry unit or must it execute the scouting command like non-scout units?

2. My experience thus far is that I've seen the scouting command reveal a hidden infantry unit in high vegetation 2 squares away. I've yet to reveal a hidden unit in forest 2 squares distance. Is forest an exception? What about other terrain types (buildings, fortifications, etc).

The manual simply states "Scouts are very important units that can see 2 squares into terrain features."

Update: In my current game a scout of mine did see units in the forest at two squares and it was automatic, i.e. I did not have to use the scouting command.

[Gerry4321]

I would also like to know the answers to these questions.

Gerry

[Soar]

Infantry units always reveal all hidden enemy units within their scouting range that are also within their line of sight. Scouting range is 1 for most infantry, 2 for scouts, and using the scouting command adds +1. Line of sight prevents units from scouting more than one tile deep into line-of-sight-blocking terrain such as forest.

[Tac2i]

@Soar: Thanks for that response. It pretty well clears up scouting for me.

[Gerry4321]

Just one more thing please.

I think I have scouts without a scouting command? So their limit is still 2 hexes, right?

If a Scout also has a scouting command their limit is 3 hexes?

Thanks,

Gerry

[Tac2i]

Updated based on Soar's test: The scouting command does increase the 2 square range to 3 of scouts into terrain features that provide cover for infantry. It also increases the view of open terrain from 6 to 7 I think.

All scout infantry units can see two squares (3 if using scouting command) into covering terrain but cannot see two (or 3) squares if the first square is a line of sight blocking terrain type.

forest - clear - forest: scout in forest can see an enemy unit in the second forest

forest - forest - forest: scout in first forest square cannot see an enemy unit in the third forest because the second forest blocks line of sight.

Just one more thing please.

I think I have scouts without a scouting command? So their limit is still 2 hexes, right

If a Scout also has a scouting command their limit is 3 hexes?

Thanks,

Gerry

[Soar]

The scouting command does not increase the 2 square range of scouts into terrain features that provide cover for infantry. It does increase the view of open terrain from 6 to 7 I think.
... No scout unit can see three squares into covering terrain types.

This is incorrect. I just ran a test scenario to confirm it, and the 'Scout area' command does increase scouts' scouting range from 2 squares to 3 like I stated.

[BLSTK]

Another benefit to having scouts is further enhanced by placing them in a halftrack. This gives you the sighting ability of an armoured car...without the armour.

[mpetri]

Wouldn't you want the additional armor though?