[CP5670]

You're right, that option does give you an area effect. The training mission gives a somewhat misleading description of what that command does, which is why I didn't try to use it before.

However, it seems to just make the AI focus his stream on that area. The units were still poorly directed and weren't good for much except for keeping the enemy occupied, at least in the one Japan mission where I tried it. I think it does prevent him from retreating though.