V3: Forward Observer counts as Spotter as per p. 102, regarding being “Down”?

[Fabrizio Anastasio]

Hi,

I was wondering if a Forward obeserver counts “fully” as a Spotter as described at p. 102 of the V3 rulebook. It is stated that Spotters always count as “Down” when without an order dice, as they would spend most of their time lying down.

It stands to reason that forward artillery/naval/airbone observers would do the same. Any opinion?

 

[Stuart Harrison]

They are not spotters. Their rule does not even suggest they act as spotters, it just says friendly units using indirect fire can draw line of sight from the observer.  The spotter rules mention forward observers in brackets for one spotter related rule – that doesn’t make them spotters, it just shows they act the same for that one rule.

[Donald Linn]

On Page 114, it clearly states that “friendly units using the Indirect Fire Rule can draw line of sight from your forward observers.” This is amplified in the FAQ as well

[Stuart Harrison]

@ Donald, that’s not what he’s asking.  He’s asking whether the rest of the spotter rules apply to the forward observers, such as counting as Down when they don’t have an order.  The answer is no.  Spotters and the forward observers are two distinct entities in Bolt Action, with their own rules, just in third edition they overlap in being able to provide line of sight to indirect fire units.

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