diff --git a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Traits/BotModules/Squads/States/ProtectionStates.cs b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Traits/BotModules/Squads/States/ProtectionStates.cs
index d50a252b72..d58d6f1270 100644
--- a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Traits/BotModules/Squads/States/ProtectionStates.cs
+++ b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/Traits/BotModules/Squads/States/ProtectionStates.cs
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ namespace OpenRA.Mods.Common.Traits.BotModules.Squads
 				}
 			}
 
+			owner.Bot.QueueOrder(new Order("AttackMove", null, owner.Target, false, groupedActors: owner.Units.ToArray()));
+
 			if (!owner.IsTargetVisible)
 			{
 				if (Backoff < 0)
@@ -57,7 +59,6 @@ namespace OpenRA.Mods.Common.Traits.BotModules.Squads
 			}
 			else
 			{
-				owner.Bot.QueueOrder(new Order("AttackMove", null, owner.Target, false, groupedActors: owner.Units.ToArray()));
 				Backoff = BackoffTicks;
 			}
 		}