Advice for a new tactical player?

So, i have decided to give this game another chance, and have played very casually before without really knowing the ins and outs of how it all works.

I am looking to start over, and maximize my skill points to be the most effective, but really am not sure where to start since most of what i have found is pretty old information online.

I am hoping somebody has some advice, or perhaps a website i can bookmark that would point me in the right direction as far as getting the most out of my points as a tactical officer.

I would also be open to advice on what consoles and weapons would be good to keep an eye out for as i level back up, and any other advice that might be worth taking during my progress.