QUESTION: Effective Range

[uneducated]

How can we readily determine the effective range of a unit?

Also, the effective range of a squad will vary according to the weapon it will use against the target.

Even that range will vary, depending on the type of target, for example hard or soft.

[CGGrognard]

The targeting reticle from the LOS line will give you a visual of effective range.
Green = in range
Yellow = within range somewhat
Red = out of range
Black = weapon not effective against the target (i.e. rifles against tanks)

This will help until you learn the effective ranges of the different weapons in the game.

[SteveMcClaire]

You can also tell if the unit is out of range (or too close -- some weapons have a minimum range) by looking at the color of the text showing the range to the cursor location -- if it's white you're in range, if it's grey you're not.