Classes (EU2012)

Soldiers in X-COM: Enemy Unknown are divided into classes, where each class has unique abilities (a.k.a. "perks"). On the first level up from Rookie to Squaddie the soldier gets assigned a random class with an initial ability. As they level up soldiers get to choose one of two abilites (with some exceptions) on each level to a total of 6 more (7 including the Squaddie rank).

Rookie Squaddie Corporal Sergeant Lieutenant Captain Major Colonel

Assault

A mobile soldier with extra power at shorter range, a good choice for close quarter combat and maps with constricting spaces and limited vision.

Abilities

1 Run & Run (allows to move and make a shot, including dashing)

2 Tactical Sense (+5 to defense per enemy close to you, up to 20 ), Aggression (+10 to crit per enemy close to you up to 30)

3 Lightning Reflexes (ignores first reaction fire on that turn), Close & Personal (+ 30 to crit, reduces with distance)

Heavy

1 Fire Rocket (fires a 6 dmg rocket once per combat, requires both action points)

2 Bullet Swarm (allows to shoot and then move or shoot twice), Holo-Targeting (gives +10 to Aim against your target for teamamtes, does it work with suppression?)

3 Shredder Rocket (gives a +33% bonus to damage against that target, deals less damage than standarf, could be that it gives a second shot with RL), Suppression (-30 Aim to enemy, allows a reaction shot if the target moves)

4 HEAT rounds (+100% to damage against robotic enemies), Rapid Reaction (Gives a second reaction fire if the first one was successful)

5 Grenadier (now carries 2 grenades instead of one, if grenades are equipped), Danger Zone (increases AoE of rockets and suppression by 2).

Sniper

1 Headshot

2 Snap shot, Squad sight