When two opposing units are engaged in combat, any row of models (be it a rank or file) that has one or more models in base contact with the enemy is called the 'fighting rank'. Every model within the fighting rank can fight. This represents models in that row but not in base contact with the enemy encircling 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.
