Cave rule question

[Dog829]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a slight problem with my interpretation of the rules on caves.

On page 45 of the users manual, opening paragraph on caves it states:

Caves are a specialized type of fortification. Cave effects only apply to non-Vehicle units of the owning side. When a Cave hex is occupied by the opposing side, it has no affect on those units.

Now that I have assaulted the cave hex, taken out the sniper and remain in the hex my unit derives no protection value from it? Am I understanding this correctly?
If this is the case then can I take it that it's the same as being in the clear protection wise?

Lastly, It would be nice if I could toss in a DC and seal it shut since this is what our forces did to caves once they took them or got close enough to. Outside the scope of the game, right?

Sorry if I am bringing up a topic that has been kicked about before but I did look for it,

Thanks,
Phil
Dog829