Alright since we're about to get inundated with absolute swathes of clueless newbies and EVE refugees I thought I'd share my discoveries with those who still have not cracked the code.

This is a list of all the skills that are mandatory for full function of the various dropsuit types, with the relevant skills set up for assault/logi players, and heavies AFTER the cores. This is a longterm plan, and if you stick to it religiously when you hit proto gear you will absolutely make people rage.

Assault/logi dropsuit 1 or heavy dropsuit 2
Primary weapon of choice 3

All skills after this need to be at a minimum of 4, preferrably 5. Some have prerequisites that must be at 5. make it happen. This list is subject to change as new modules/mechanics are released. This first list is needed for everyone. All mercs regardless of class or preferred weapon will benefit from this list.

combat engineering 5 (fitting, mandatory)
nanocircuitry 5 (fitting, mandatory)
Nanite system Upgrades (Someone find me the name of this skill, Don't be that Guy, lets you use better nanoinjectors and hives)
Systems Hacking 4-5 (don't be that guy)
Shield Boost Systems 5 (worth it)
Shield Control 5 (Die Less, Mandatory, Even if you run heavy)
Shield enhancements 5 (fitting, mandatory)
Armor Repair Systems 5 (fitting, mandatory)
Armor Upgrades 5 (fitting, Mandatory)
Fiield mechanics 5 (You die less)
Remote Repair (Again, Don't be that guy)
Weaponry 5 (damage mods, weapon classes, mandatory)
Light (or Heavy) Weapon upgrade (FITTING! MANDATORY!)
Light (or Heavy) Weapon upgrade Proficiency (FITTING DAMMIT! MANDATORY)

Now we can focus on things that go boom, train in order you like.

Light (or Heavy) Weapon Reload 5 (If you can't figure this out...)
Light (Or heavy) Weapon Reload Proficiency 4-5 (again, if you cannot figure this out...)
Light (or Heavy) Weapon Sharpshooter 5 (Increase range. range is good)
Light (or Heavy) Weapon Sharpshooter proficiency 5 (Seriously, you want this at 5)

FOR ASSAULT/LOGISTICS

Assault/Logistics Dropsuit 5
Assault rifle Operation and proficiency 5
Laser Rifle Operation and proficiency 5
Mass Driver Operation and proficiency 5

For Heavy

Amarr heavy Dropsuit 4 (You can actually stop at 2 and never use anything but type II)
HMG Operation and proficiency 5
Forge Gun Operation and Proficiency 5


ANY OTHER SKILL IS ICING ON THE CAKE.

Vehicle-centric mercs simply remove the assault/heavy specific crap and go shield transporters, armor hardeners, shield hardeners, turret skills and of course vehicle skills.

Happy Hunting. Go murder some people.