If a TUG is to the left side of and lined up with a friendly TUG that is in combat to its front but set back slightly so that it isn't in a position for its rightmost file to qualify as a supporting file is it possible to move that TUG forward in the movement phase in order that it can?
My reading of the rules suggests that it can't as it isn't in contact with the enemy TUG at the beginning of the movement phase so the only way for it to get into contact would be for that TUG to charge into corner to corner contact in the following charge phase even though there wouldn't be an actual charge combat. Seems odd to have a charge with no actual combat but I can't see any other way for it to do so.
Am I correct or is there another way to get it into the fight?
AFAIK you can do this in the movement phase, even use the free 1/2 shift to 'become a supporting file' (p 109).
So no charge required to enter ONLY as a supporting file.
Hope this helps,
I must admit that I think the rule wording could be improved.
Yes, you can move into corner-to-corner contact as a supporting file in the movement phase.
A charge must result in either front edge contact with an edge or corner of an enemy UG, or front corner contact with the edge of an enemy UG (unless of course the charge is slowed and doesn't contact or the enemy skirmishes or runs away).
Hopefully this makes things clearer.
Richard
Or edge-to-edge would be possible too. It could be improved, but perfecting all is tricky.
Keeping a little hit list fo tightening for a vs 2 in 5 years or so if I find enough to develop.
But so far I haven't thought of much :)