RE: AT fire *during* assault
I understand that this is one of those points that can be interpreted differently and there has been other rules that muddy the waters. Here is my thinking. First, the ability of AT in an assault is ambiguous. The rule says that AT fire can be used in an assault hex, but does not state when. By not saying when it seems that it can be used any time you want, including as part of an assault. From the attackers perspective, this is supported by the SSR and soon to be added to the core rules for Infantry AT weapons. In an assault a designated infantry unit can both assault and fire their AT weapon when they are the attacker, but not as a defender. I use this to justify the AT use as an attacker no matter what the unit as this is supported by the use of AT fire in the assault. However, on the defense the rules state "However, all enemy units in the hex defend as one combined strength." and as the defender they do not get to activate as a FIRE activation, so they do not get a choice as to how to defend; they only defend as one group on the assault table.
This is how I see the rule now and I feel this is a muddy spot and we may need some judgement from John S. on this. I am happy with what to make it either way, but there needs to be consistency as allowing the defenders to fire AT. This will also impact infantry AT and I would what them to be considered for there AT ability while defending in an assault.
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