Question, can a model with the specialist operative skill (raktorak Sgt major as an example) complete the classified objective 'HVT: retroengineering' and other similar objectives?
No, classifieds aren't completed by Specialists but by specific troop types or specific skills (Engineer, Hacker, HI, Veteran, etc). Socialist Operative only interacts with the list of Specialists provided in the scenario.
So for clarity, specialist operative only counts as a specialist for the Mission Objectives (consoles etc) but not for classifieds unless they meet other criteria?
Except for one, if I remember well (but the target must be a Specialist, in this very particular case).