I have a question about the "sound the advance" rule concerning war drums.
Is it compulsory for all friendly models in range?
Where in the units are effected by the special rule, and may not charge, even if they dont move the extra movement?
Or is optional? As in, may i pick and choose who is effected by it?
The rule seems to lean towards a compulsory effect for all models in range, but i was just wondering.

I think it's a compulsory effect for all models in range.

Listening to the Green Dragon Podcast episode on Mordor recently they mentioned an interesting trick though, where if you have models with spears you could use the drum to send them forward into base contact with your own models that are involved in fights elsewhere, as spear supports. This would allow them to get into combat without officially charging an enemy model.

That spear support move is actually a good point.
Its too bad that its probably a compulsory move. In standard battles its more manageble, but as ive been playing battle companies, where my models are much more bunched up, it might present some problems. Eg, i need my bowmen to leg it, but the drum is also in range of somw crucial charging units. Oh well, still a good piece of wargear.
Thanks for the reply buddy.