Do you use the reinforcement mechanic for commanders?

[madeirabhoy]

When you click on a unit, such as an infantry unit, you will see options to command it. An arrow to move, a curved arrow to skip turn, and (if it is standing next to an Army Commander) an option to join the commander.

You may also see another option, very similar in appearance, with a rectangle of dots, to "reinforce army." (under certain conditions).
Effect: you will be asked to select a commander that has space available, then the unit will disappear from the map. It will magically move itself to the commander and pack itself when it gets there. It will not be subject to danger along the way.

Conditions: A commander has to have open space. The commander has to be more than 5-6 spaces away from the unit; in that case, you move it yourself. The commander can't be embarked in the water.

excellent thanks

 

[Vandlys]

I havent even noticed this, sorry how does it work?

This! I seem to encounter it on these forums or in game every once in a while but never on a commander. Have no clue how to initiate it.

 

[Dark_Jedi06]

Yes, all the time. There's also a logistics promotion that speeds up reinforcement time.

Its particularly useful when you're engaged in a siege and have things like temporary fortifications set up, as you don't have to move any units to get fresh troops right up to the front line where they can be instantly swapped out with damaged units.

 

[Noble Zarkon]

The conditions I'm aware of:
1. Commander too close. I'm not sure about the actual distance, but I believe the idea is to prevent abuse of using reinforcements for battlefield maneuvers.
2. Commander is full.
3. Physically unreachable. This usually happens in exploration if commander and unit are separated by deep ocean and you didn't research Shipbuilding mastery, so military unit can't cross it.

The unit has to be some tiles away from the commander (6?) and needs to be at full movement points.

It also needs to be fully healthy.