As there is a chance that this question will arise, vis-a-vis my NoVA Open BA list, I wanted to get it out on the table early:
Q: "Can a deepstriking unit combat squad when it is deployed on the table?"
A: My research points to yes. Below is the rules breakdown.
Rules Citations:
Reserves rule P.94 BRB, "Rolling for reserves", 2nd paragraph, first sentence. All rolls are finished, the models must immediately be deployed. Combat Squad rule now comes into effect before placing models in their final position of deployment.
Deep Strike rule P.95 BRB, last sentence of first paragraph. These models are arriving from Reserve, so the Reserves rules are followed to determine their arrival or non-arrival. If successful, according to the Reserves rule the models are now deployed. Combat Squad rule is now applied before placement of initial model for the Deep Strike point. Since there are two squads, this means that both are placed separately, scattered for separately and take Deep Strike Mishaps (if any) separately.
Conclusion:
Successfully roll for Reserves > available for deployment > Combat Squad > act of deploying, either by normal means or Deep Strike/Outflank.
Caveat:
The BA FAQ has the following to say. (link) But note that this is in the context of drop pods.
Q: Can you take a Drop Pod with a 10-man squad and then put a combat squad in it, deploying the other combat squad on the table, or leave it in reserve but not in the Drop Pod? (p32)
A: No, because squads that are placed in reserve may not break down into combat squads.
The BA FAQ has the following to say. (link) But note that this is in the context of drop pods.
Q: Can you take a Drop Pod with a 10-man squad and then put a combat squad in it, deploying the other combat squad on the table, or leave it in reserve but not in the Drop Pod? (p32)
A: No, because squads that are placed in reserve may not break down into combat squads.
(So, logical rules lawyerly counter argument to the FAQ stolen from another blog:
Squads that ARE placed in reserve may not break down into combat squads' only refers to units actually in reserve. Once it's time for them to come on, they are deploying, no longer in reserve and the ruling no longer applies. Combat Squading after Podding is the precedent for 'deployment' and 'reserves' being seperate states, as they 'deploy' from the pod, and can therefore combat squad.
If they meant otherwise, the phrase would read 'squads that HAVE EVER BEEN placed in reserve may NEVER be broken down into combat squads'.)
Squads that ARE placed in reserve may not break down into combat squads' only refers to units actually in reserve. Once it's time for them to come on, they are deploying, no longer in reserve and the ruling no longer applies. Combat Squading after Podding is the precedent for 'deployment' and 'reserves' being seperate states, as they 'deploy' from the pod, and can therefore combat squad.
If they meant otherwise, the phrase would read 'squads that HAVE EVER BEEN placed in reserve may NEVER be broken down into combat squads'.)
