The problem is not the assault rule

[Kool Kat]

Only the Forward Observer can call/plot artillery - either in LOS or On Map.

Introducing forward observers in CS certainly makes sense historically. It also is more realistic to limit the calling in / plotting of artillery barrages to trained personnel equipped with radios. I would support this proposed new optional rule! :)

Food for thought... I located the following snippet on the use of German forward observers in WWII.

"In the observation of fire, the greatest reliance by the Germans is placed on forward observers. Often the battery commander himself goes ahead in this role. The part that the observer plays in German field operations is brought out in the following translation from a recent issue of Artilleristische Rundschau.

The artillery forward observer (Vorgeschobene Beobachter) plays a decisive part in the success of infantry. In the attack he goes along with the infantry, accompanied by a radio operator. If the attack is stopped, this observer calls for fire on enemy points of resistance and carries the infantry on to the next assault. In static warfare, the observer orders destructive fire against the enemy and covering fire to aid his own troops. He also directs destructive fire against enemy infantry who are about to attack or actually attacking. The results of this are shown not only in the effective cooperation between the two arms, but in the existence of a spirit of brotherhood in combat--the artillery forward observer becomes the best friend of the infantry."

A translation from an issue of the German WWII publication Artilleristische Rundschau on the artillery forward observer, from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 28, July 1, 1943.