Firing only once per turn

The enemy activated first and moved into the zone of control of one of my units that allowed it to fire.  When it came to my turn and I activated the unit and I wanted to fire it again, but after much debate it was decided that a unit can only fire once per turn.

This seems contrary to the zone of control opportunity rules which would appear to me to allow the potential for multiple shots at (different) enemy units as they pass a unit's zone of control.  It would also seem to be permitted if my unit activated first and fired and then later was presented with by the opportunity to fire if an enemy entered its zone of control (to say, fire on it).

Thanks in advance for any explanations or guidance.  This was only my fourth game, but I am really enjoying the rules.

We play that if the unit can fire during its activation even if it has fired before because the other side moved into the ZOC

It's very rare it happens, perhaps because it can happen?

Interesting question. Funny that I can't remember this ever being asked before (and can't remember seeing it in any game that I've played in or watched.) So Jim is right about it being very rare.

If the unit in question had fired earlier in the turn and then had its ZOC provoked causing a reaction fire that would be fine. In principle it should work in reverse. So I would agree with Jim's interpretation. A reaction fire doesn't cause the unit to get marked as fired in the turn (as against a unit firing on opportunity before its activation.)

ZoC provocation, a reaction, always allows fire to occur.

Planned fire, be it from Opportunity or a decision by an Active Unit, is allowed only once per completed round, it does not affect ZoC reaction fire capability.

If a Unit enters the ZOC of two units, lined up side by side, and fires at one of them do they both get to react and fire?

Geoff

The answer to your question Geoff is yes.  Both units can fire on reaction if situation arises - one for being fired at and the other for having a friend fired at.

I have also had pointed out the clarification on page 16 of Impetus 1.  Reaction fire is the exception to a unit being only allowed to fire once.

This situation happens regularly when for example skirmishers approach each other.  The first side activates, closes to short point blank range and fires and gets fired back on.  The other side then activates, fires and gets fired on.  The decision is about, do I close to short point blank range and risk reaction fire?  Also, once an enemy is disordered the risk is removed so this also is a good decision point in prosecuting a battle.

Thanks for the responses.

Remember in Impetus the closest range is Point Blank, not Short. Short Range in Impetus is what most sets would normally call Medium Range. Not wanting to be pedantic but it is important to be accurate in the terminology of the game so that we don't get confused!!

Getting the terminology right is very important. I have edited my post to show the correction. Thanks.