B9.323 Mandatory WA

[Corporal Kindel]

B9.323 says:

"Mandatory WA: A unit unable to claim in-hex TEM or at least +1 must claim WA as soon as possible (even if having in-hex Hindrance), and cannot voluntarily forfeit it. Neither Emplacement, Gunshield, Height Advantage, nor a friendly AFV with WA are considered to provide and in-hex TEM for this purpose. A "Wall Advan" counter is not necessary in this case, unless there is an enemy unit sharing one or move of the unit's wall/hedge hexsides."

It seems to me, from reading the above paragraph, that an emplaced gun thus can never claim the +2 emplacement TEM to enemy fire, when fired on from a non adjacent hex, that crosses the wall/hedge/bocage hexside. So, it would always be stuck with a +1 hedge modifier, for example, assuming non-adjacent firers whose LOS crosses that hedge hexside (and assuming the Gun hasn't lost WA to any potential other adjacent enemy units sitting across the same hedge hexside in question), correct?

It also seems, for another example, that units behind bocage (in an otherwise open ground hex) would be stuck having to stare down a large firegroup & not be able to relinquish WA (thus losing the LOS when it otherwise would be in its best interest to do so, such as if this enemy firegroup was large & had a 9-2 leader for example), correct?

 

[Ole Boe]

It seems to me, from reading the above paragraph, that an emplaced gun thus can never claim the +2 emplacement TEM to enemy fire, when fired on from a non adjacent hex, that crosses the wall/hedge/bocage hexside.

No, you have overlooked an exception in B9.31, so the Gun may claim the +2 emplacement TEM: "A target unit claiming WA (9.32) does not receive in-hex TEM ... but receives wall/hedge TEM if applicable [EXC: it may elect instead to receive appropriate TEM for Emplacement..."

It also seems, for another example, that units behind bocage (in an otherwise open ground hex) would be stuck having to stare down a large firegroup & not be able to relinquish WA (thus losing the LOS when it otherwise would be in its best interest to do so, such as if this enemy firegroup was large & had a 9-2 leader for example), correct?

This one is correct. The emplaced Gun is stuck in LOS, just as other Infantry units in that same Location would be. It may be in their interest to skulk out of LOS, but you cannot when Mandatory WA applies.

It is quite logical though. To forfeit WA simulates pulling back from the wall (or bocage). And an emplaced Gun is not moveable, so it will stay in exactly the same spot, which in ASL is close to the wall, with WA.