[Tormenk]

I'm sure the more well-informed guys can provide a better insight but outclassed as they are, offensive vehicles provide a means for the redshirts to have area dominance and presence. Have the big shots plow though and the tanks can roll in afterwards to take the area. Said war machines can have the same role of deterrence as a good mage when the TSAB needs something else in place when protecting their installations and personnel, as proven many times the shortage of good manpower they have.

Firepower shouldn't be a issue but versatility falls short when compared to a proficient spellcaster. In any case magitech generators are shown to be used widely enough throughout the TSAB(uh Chrono's ships and Ground HQ's barrier engine for example?) that you could come up with your own vehicle to address the issue. Storm Raider's shown devices can be adapted for use elsewhere so that gives some leeway in seeing devices in unusual forms. Perhaps toned-down versions of IDs as limited equipment? A step in between the customized devices for the CCs and the RH-ripoff the grunts employ, formless but extremely versatile and adaptable. Plug and play method for easy switching between vehs to weaponry so they can connect to the generators without worrying about whether the user is able to use magic or not.

A small group of volunteers for the implant approach would be the way to go imho. Tuning and adjustments would be part of the process so I don't imagine the majority of the grunts consenting to it.