Is it possible for a formation to carry out an order that is impossible to actually carry out?

This may sound like a silly question but when you take into consideration Orks and their bonus to certain orders it gains sense. Take the "double" order as an example, can I issue a formation to carry out this order in a situation in which there are no targets to fire on after performing this action?

Let's say it is a lone biker formation left on the other side of the table 95cm away from the nearest enemy. Can I "double" them without shooting to get the +2 activation bonus?

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I never even thought of this. I'd say yes, since the orders clearly state that the formation MAY move/shoot/charge etc. So you could issue a double order and then have the formation sit around and do nothing as far as I am concerned.

Also keep in mind, a marching formation cannot lend support to an assault or use it's aa against disengaging air units. Both good reasons to double rather than march.

Incidentally, that's a rather poorly answered FAQ


You can withhold fire of course, but the question asks if you can save fire for later, like saving up rounds or something, which you can't do

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Thanks a lot for all the answers!

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Another useful 'impossible action' would be overwatching a unit of infantry which have no ranged weapons to fire: that way they get a 5+ save which might be better than whatever they've got already; I do it with Genestealers if I need to garrison them out of cover.

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I put units with no ranged weapons onto overwatch sometimes. Or give an overwatch order to units that started the game on overwatch already just to waste an activation (saving my important activations till after my opponent has run out of his).

If I recall correctly I believe the question refers to slow firing or one shot weapons where in fact not firing this round will enable you to fire next round or later. You'll still need a new activation in the subsequent turn(s) to do so however.