Also Just to be sure, I'm not new to the series, Just this newer reboot one.
Also Xcom did basically exist in the 1960's. I.E. the Bureau of Operations and Command.
This is from The Bureau, which you did mention you haven't played.
What I understand is the Reboot is quite similar to the original, with many removals, changes, reconsideration's but considered two really separate games on their own parts. I just want to know what the really major changes are.
Least I still have most of the emails, but I mean playing as a squaddie or rookie and then being limited to lesser weapons as well as not being specialized in any field, I hate DMR's or any automatic sniper rifle. I love pistols or bolt/level action rifles. I don't agree at all with fully automatic, and prefer semi-automatic or burst fire for it's accuracy. Also MMG's and HMG's over LMG's any day of the week. If at all, the only automatic I would agree with are PDW's and/or Carbines.
On the other hand I would forgo the weapons if the aliens were to ever respect the Geneva Convention and the acknowledgement that it is a war crime to kill any medical personal wearing clear insignia and not using armed weaponry.