ken jones wrote:
The house rule that I have always followed is this:
[1]Small units (fewer than 100 strength) and all skirmishers found behind enemy lines should seek shelter in covered terrain and stay there until a path to their own lines is open. Formed units of greater strength are allowed to wreck havoc if able to do so.
[2]Generally, though, units isolated behind enemy lines should 1) move in the direction of friendly forces if they can; 2) move to and remain in covered terrain; 3) not be used as "eyes" for the army they are separated from. Of course, the engine will enable players to see from such routed and isolated units but they should not be moved to some high hill and used as spotters.
[1] To limit the rule to small units would seem to distinctly disadvantage the CSA. It is often the larger, low quality USA units that can find themselves in this situation. The more men there are I would think it the more difficult to control any concerns they have let alone convince a larger body of men to head off and conduct independent offensive actions behind the lines.
[2] I've tried to incorporate this thinking as best I can. I can't see that much can be done about what is 'seen' if they're moving back to their own lines. Of course, if they stop in a position where they can see others then they can also be seen.
How does this sound?
Detached Units Behind Enemy Lines1. Any detached units that find themselves behind enemy lines must not conduct
any offensive actions except where they can trace a line free of known enemy zone-of-control to their attached Brigade Commander (or replacement Brigade Commander).
2. Wherever possible
any movement by such units must be towards friendly forces not behind enemy lines.
My reasoning for some terms
'known enemy zone-of-control' - it is possible (e.g. forested areas) that such units will not be aware of all enemy units (let alone their ZOC but if they think they have contact with their leader they will be reassured by that thinking.
'wherever possible any movement' - unknown enemy units prevent moving routed units in some directions and if the unit (routed or otherwise) can not move towards their own lines then they should stay where they are (which seems preferable to them heading off to undertake spotting duties or placing themselves in positions where, although not an offensive action, their defensive fire is effectively offensive in nature).Forwarded for consideration and comments.