Kerbonaut abilities idea

[Streetlamp]

The Kerbal experience system was originally planned as a way of boosting certain characteristics of your craft. That got me thinking...

Now that we know that won't happen, what are your thoughts on a similar process happening to the Kerbals themselves?

Let me explain my idea.

What if when you hire an Kerbal you could train 'em to become one of several roles/classes(for a funds cost of course). For example you could train a kerbal as a mechanic and only then would that kerbal be able to repair wheels and repack chutes. Or maybe you could train 'em to become a scientist and only then would that kerbal be able to remove data from instruments on EVA and operate the Lab part. You could train a Kerbal to have multiple roles/classes but the more you train them, the higher the funds cost.

All Kerbals would be capable of controlling manned capsules, making Crew reports, making EVA reports, and planting flags regardless of role/class. Each Kerbal's role/class could determine the color of the EVA suit's helmet marking.

Trainable roles/classes:

None - Grey - The class of a Kerbal you just hired. Has no outstanding traits what-so-ever.

Mechanic - Brown - Can repack chutes, repair wheels, and do anything relating to activating parts while on EVA.

Scientist - Blue - Can collect data from science experiments on EVA and can operate the mobile Lab part.

Geologist - Green - Can gather surface samples and must be present to transmit the sample's composition.

Pilot - Orange - Can operate a craft from an external seat and has the navball visible while on EVA.

Other roles/classes:

Multiple - Red - Has multiple roles/classes. Perhaps instead of a red marking, the marking would be decided by combining the colors of the roles/classes the Kerbal has been trained in.

V.I.P. - Black - A Kerbal who has payed your space program in exchange for being on a flight. Would be a med-high paying contract depending on what the V.I.P. wants to see.

So what are your thoughts on this?

[CalculusWarrior]

I love the idea of having multiple 'roles' for the kerbals. It provides incentive to keep your little green dudes alive.

[Scotius]

Aside of paid-for training, Kerbals should accumulate experience on their own. Any successful flight, maintenence or science experiment should give them a boost to skills.

[metl]

Did I miss something? I thought KXP was still in?

[Aragosnat]

Yes. I like the idea as well. Even though Jeb, Bill and Bob are dead to me right now.

Also engineer. One that can get more juice out of their fuel like reach max ISP sooner. Then you can have one for Jets (not like they need any help), L&O and Xenon (not like this needs it either, but could be a reduce need for electricity instead). Or even help reduced how fast the engines over heat that are not SRBs.

But, there is another position that currently only mods can fill. Life Support. Yup. A Kerbal dealing with the waste, O2/Water and food needs.