When is the contact command most useful?

[Monwar]

In which situation can it be of most use? Is it mainly for the use of assault or recon units? What exactly does this command do? I have the manual but can't get much out of it.

[flamingknives]

As in Move To Contact?

Troops using it will move slightly more slowly (and hence more stealthily) than ordinary move, and if they spot the enemy they will stop, likewise if they come under fire.

It is intended for use to bring you forces into contact with the enemy, rather than move as if you are likely to come under fire at any moment, so as to speed up the initial phaser of the game.

In short, Recon.

By setting a cover arc, they will only stop if they see an enemy within the covered arc, or if they are fired upon. Enemy outside the CA are ignored, which makes this useful for moving through steppe and wheatfield without being spotted (long ranges only)

[Elmar Bijlsma]

Covered arcs while moving to contact? It's gems like this that make me think I had better read the manual again. Thanks FK!

[xerxes]

It's very important for infantry moving through heavy woods. You don't want to be running past enemy infantry blasting at you at point blank range.

[tailend bryan]

i find it useful when moving through woods and such if enemy contact is expected- never once set ca i'll try that thank FK

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Basically it's good for foot soldiers on routes where the entire route is in acceptable cover, such as woods, pine, and sometimes wheat fields or scattered trees. That way your troops aren't screwed by being caught in the open if they do contact the enemy and stop.

Move to Contact can be useful for getting weapons into position at the edge of woods. You know that they don't need to be right at the edge of the woods to have LOS outside, but you don't always know just how far is acceptable. Use Move to Contact to have your HMG or panzerfaust stop and take a shot as soon as LOS outside of the woods is possible. With panzerfausts, use an armor only cover arc to ensure that they will only stop when they see a tank.

You can also try "move to contact" and "hide" if you want to scout without engaging, but there is a risk that your troops will be spotted before they hide.

Dr. Rosenrosen

[flamingknives]

I don't think that MTC + CA is in the manual, ISTR that it came out as part of one of the patches.

[Alkiviadis]

I play the Soviets exclusively & found it to be

Much better than the shoot & scoot command re: accuracy for my tanks

[lcm1947]

Well, I almost use it entirely unless I need to advance or assault. I find the move command too dangerous unless of course there is no chance of encountering the enemy. Anybody differ with this. I am always open for suggestions.