[quote=@Zarkun]
While I'm thinking about it, can someone explain to me how a tank shell doesn't just blow a Fencer to hell? I mean, the guy has to be using a shield and wearing armor made out of titanium or something. And on top of that, how does the impact and subsequent rattling of the noggin not turn their brain to mush?
[/quote]I suppose you mean VC2 Fencers because their VC3 incarnation barely wears any armor.
Well, part gameplay mechanics and partially because in Valkyria Chronicles armor isn't that useless.
Also keep in mind that after grinding for a while the said Fencer can turn into a Mauler who can destroy entire wall sections and defeat tank armor.
Force-counterforce relation. If a dude can physically destroy walls then he can also survive explosives that do the same.

Anyways, the more insane feat goes for the Armored Techs.
Their shield can literally survive almost anything without suffering damage (well, Gunners have the arbitrary power to harm them but for example they can take more firepower than any tank in VC3...unless they get flanked).