Was wondering if you could control units that are controlled by ai? in maps like Taranovka and Raktinou I control a force while ai controls the other, but I have to fight their often suicidal battles, also big waste of time.. so is it possible?

I think the option you want will be 4.13 in the options menu.
If you enable it you are able to control all allied units.

The Cable guys will be under AI control every time you start a battle, if the have an halftrack you should deactivate it at the beginning (eye symbol) or they will move around your troops not realy carrying about the enemy.