MCDs have an entry called "HE_block" that defines how much damage from an explosion is blocked by the MCD.
Idk the exact math but -as far as I understand- the gist is that an unit behind the MCD receives only part (or even none) of the explosion damage.
My question is: how much explosion damage is blocked by a unit (if any)? An unit obviously can function as cover from direct fire, intercepting incoming shots with its body.. but what about explosions?
(No, this is not part of a plan to systematically use civilians as meat shields against bombs).
edit:Ufopaedia.org says it's none:
For the record: Soldiers do not have any HE Block. If you group a lot of them together and then explode something near them, there is no difference in the explosion pattern or strength where they stand.
Aaaah there goes my idea to make a force field unit...