Grant IOs the ability to drive small vehicles (VAN).
IOs are Lieutenants often roaming the map. Giving them VAN access aligns with their role and status, especially when SLs and Combat Engineers (lower ranks) already have this privilege.
Grant ASOs the ability to drive large vehicles (ARC).
As third-in-command, ASOs should logically have more vehicle privileges than SOs, who are ranked beneath them.
just slightly offtopic: I legit don’t know why the hell the vehicle skill is so rare, balance-wise it makes just a little bit of sense (you can’t have regular RFN drive a tank) but there is no IC realistic reason as to why every single rifleman seizes up upon seeing the stick shift of the colony van.
Same applies to CO, XO, and SO—they are also shipside-only roles, barring special circumstances as outlined in SOP. However, they still have vehicle skills for when the situation demands it.
ASOs are expected to step in for their subordinates when necessary, such as flying the gunship and executing fire missions. (This is explicitly within their skillset and responsibilities.)
Additionally, the Engineering Department, including the CE, reports directly to the ASO, as stated in the ASO guide.
I raised this issue because I’ve already been ordered three times by XOs to load the ARC onto the Alamo for SOs who were already deployed planetside. This highlights a gap in functionality for ASOs that could be addressed with minimal adjustment.
That said, I completely agree that ASOs shouldn’t be “jack of all trades.” However, it seems inconsistent that they can fly a gunship but lack the skills to drive the ARC.
100% agreed, I would opt for granting driving small-vehicles to everyone
There’s a difference between shipside roles, and shipside-only roles.
Deployment provisions exist for all staff on the Bridge, including SOs, XOs and the CO.
No such provisions are outlined for the ASO, as even when they are piloting a dropship, they are not technically allowed to leave it, without it classifying as unauthorized deployment (although, this is a grey area).
That said, I do actually think you have a point here. The Hangar does fall under the ASOs responsibility, as does Cargo (including stored vehicles), and it would make sense for the ASO to be able to load the ARC onto the Alamo when needed.
It took me a while to fully grasp this, but I now see that SOP does indeed distinguish the term “shipside crew.”
Thank you for pointing this out!
That’s a great point. However, it’s worth noting that the Vehicle Crewman role does not fall under the ASO’s command. Whether it should is an interesting topic, though I don’t have a strong opinion on it.
It’s also worth mentioning that the topic of IOs driving the ARC was already discussed and resolved some time ago:
I would like to see Cargo Techs be given the ability to drive Vans. I’ve been interested in the idea of the USCM having a van to transport supplies (even if its more for events).
Tbh shouldn’t most people have the first level of vehicle skill by default? Like it’s weird that John Marine, mechanized infantryman, is not only incapable of operating his unit’s ARC (more or less an armored car that would probably be controlled sort of like a regular one), but he can’t even begin to fathom the steering wheel and pedals behind a standard, civilian market box van.
All Almayer Marines canonical metro enjoyers who never needed a drivers license in their life.
I view ASO like the host/hostess at a restaurant, the professional plate spin juggler, doer of many things that aren’t combat, except for when they fly fire missions I guess? In the game the arc was taken from, Aliens Dark Descent, the arc is driven around by a mere squad leader very easily/competently, while a rando WY exec does overwatch, I feel like if a sergeant can easily pilot an arc, an ASO, in charge of engineering and flight deck, should have the knowhow to at least pilot one in a non combat capacity
