The teams dealing with the Shifters will have a balance of power and technological skills, but what they absolutely must have is the ability to fight without supernatural power or devices. The Shifters can work together to neutralize both power and technology simultaneously, and may further coordinate so they use their own Shifts offensively. So the individuals chosen must be able to coordinate well and change tactics accordingly. [Which would be a good test for Shikamaru.]

Maintaining a steady defensive force is also a matter of keeping morale up. The frontlines need to know they have a place to fall back to, should reinforcements arrive or tactics suddenly change.