AT fire in assault hexes

[plloyd1010]

Except that this line appears to muddy the water, I'd say yes.

At no time does an ASSAULT combat, either offensively or defensively, involve or instigate any AT Fire.  AT Fire requires an activation independent of the ASSAULT, offensively or defensively.

My breakdown:

1. When an assault is initiated, all units moving into the assault hex engage in assault combat. Rule 12.2 Thus no AT fire from those units. There may be AT fire from units which activated concurrently, but did not join the assault (move into the assault hex).
   
2. Units within an assault hex may activate to perform AT or assault combat as they are able, either concurrently or in separate activations.
   
   1. AT fire alone will not elicit a defensive fire response. Assault combat concurrent with AT fire will elicit a defensive fire response.
      
   2. All friendly units in an assault hex are subject to assault combat results against their side. (Implied, but not specified in the rules.) Ex: AT units firing concurrent with other units conducting assault combat.
      
3. AT fire may not be used in lieu of participating in defensive assault fire.
   
4. AT fire may be used in lieu of participating in a "free shot". Rule 12.12
   

How is that for a litigious round-up? I think it covers Craig's understanding.