ya found that out the hard way when they started spawning directly behind my flanking force (this is a medival game, devs didnt think surrounding the enemy is a valid tactic?)
but regardless, i still loose companions whether they are out of position or not. also again, the first wave or two is never when i have a problem, its some time later when my guys seem to stop attack or firing missiles and the kill feed just turns red for a reason i still cant fathom.