When two opposing units are engaged in combat, any row of models (be it a rank or file) in which one or more is in base contact with the enemy is a 'fighting rank'. Any model that is within a fighting rank and within a number of inches equal to its Movement of the enemy unit can fight. This represents models closing in upon the foe.
Fig 145.1 - Units A and B are engaged in combat. Every model in the front rank of unit A and several models in the front rank of unit B are in base contact with enemy models. Therefore, the front rank of each unit is the 'fighting rank'. Although not every model in the front rank of unit B is in base contact with an enemy model, those that are not would, in reality, encircle the foe (rather than stand by and watch). Therefore, every model that belongs to the fighting rank of unit B can fight.
