lvl3 would be enough for many cases, because few enemy use ap ammo.
(written in my enemy guide)

but if you have enough bh, you can try lvl4.

p.s.
sorry not sure whether shield can prevent crit.
if it can, good against sniper.

MEAT SHIELD
TO THE BATTLE BROTHERS

So I tested the Lvl4, it seems to prevent crit.
The Lvl4 has 80% protection while the Lvl3 has 90%; both are good.

I suppose the order of being shot would be;
1: Saving throw from covers
2: ST from shields
3: Whether crit or not
4: ST from helmets or armor

Originally posted by Takeshi, made in Mom:

So I tested the Lvl4, it seems to prevent crit.
The Lvl4 has 80% protection while the Lvl3 has 90%; both are good.

I suppose the order of being shot would be;
1: Saving throw from covers
2: ST from shields
3: Whether crit or not
4: ST from helmets or armor

So unless you are facing AP threat, the level 3 shield would be best?

on paper, yes.

Do note that Foreign Advisers' SR3s are AP, so if your Level III shield users start complaining about their shields being pierced in certain missions, that's likely to be the culprit.

Here is the list of AP value @ 0m;
70: DShK
60: Protection Level IV, SR3_M(Foreign Advisor), SVD(Sniper), RP46_MG(OldSchool), SVU(SSI), MP7(pickup)
50: Protection Level III, most of Rifle ammo (AK-47, AKS-74U, RPK, FAL, P90(SSI))
40: Protection Level IIIA
30: Protection Level II, PM63(Sec), Mini Uzi(Sec), AUG(SSI), Pistol(Western),
20: TT 33 Pistol, Shotgun

Originally posted by Bigler:

I have been running the campaigns with the SWAT and trying to decide which I like better. I want to hear your opinions!

none of the above
ur much better off running a rifle/SMG with ur assaulters imo
especially since shield builds need you to invest in pistol + shield perks
and the nowherakis only have 15 DP to spend at max level

The mini-uzi doesn't really need or benefit that much from pistol doctrines, AFAIK.

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3522491146

AFAIC, this works as a decent compromise between shields and rifles. Fast Fire is mostly a downgrade(because NWS doesn't have enough crit power to really justify reducing raw damage output), U.S. Familiarization is currently just a flat, not-really-necessary buff(and not a systemic 'correction' to 'usrifles' like Scope Advantages is to all magnified optics), and personally, I don't rely on 'stacking' behind shields because the AI pretty reliably targets whoever's closest anyway(as long as they're not also in cover).

I basically treat shield-bearers as 'pointmen' for opening unlocked doors with minimal self-concern for what's behind them, and to act as general bullet magnets, which IMO, can help compensate for NWS's reduced grenade counts(e.g. bad guys all focusing the shield-guy up front while the rifles also help clear the room = deferred use of a flashbang). The shield conditioning buffs improve their movement speed considerably more than the mobility bar might suggest(you can get up to two bars with a Level III shield, but they can still keep walking pace with 7-8 mobility rifle users).

Originally posted by alex:

Originally posted by Bigler:

I have been running the campaigns with the SWAT and trying to decide which I like better. I want to hear your opinions!

none of the above
ur much better off running a rifle/SMG with ur assaulters imo
especially since shield builds need you to invest in pistol + shield perks
and the nowherakis only have 15 DP to spend at max level

I have had amazing success with shields. They can eat some rounds while your guys can line up the targets. Once you get up to max level your guy are not too bad but they need all the edge they can get, and I have found that with a shield or two my guys come home a lot more often than without.

Originally posted by alex:

Originally posted by Bigler:

I have been running the campaigns with the SWAT and trying to decide which I like better. I want to hear your opinions!

none of the above
ur much better off running a rifle/SMG with ur assaulters imo
especially since shield builds need you to invest in pistol + shield perks
and the nowherakis only have 15 DP to spend at max level

My solution is: don't put DP into pistol. Shield are there to block enemy fire, I don't expect him to be my main guy doing the killing.

Originally posted by s955120:

Originally posted by alex:

none of the above
ur much better off running a rifle/SMG with ur assaulters imo
especially since shield builds need you to invest in pistol + shield perks
and the nowherakis only have 15 DP to spend at max level

My solution is: don't put DP into pistol. Shield are there to block enemy fire, I don't expect him to be my main guy doing the killing.

Exactly, they are just there to tank a few rounds without hurting themselves. Giving you intel on the room or time for your guys to line up their shots. I have found it to be super helpful even with no points into pistols.