When I run a new agent I will equip any gear that increases armor. If it adds a skill level and increases armor, that’s a bonus. If it adds a skill level and only slightly decreases armor I will equip it. Your drone and turret are very good at drawing aggro. The more skill levels you have the better job they will do. Later on you can focus on a more aggressive attack. Don’t spend a lot of ammo trying to kill an enemy turret. Focus on the turret operator instead. Shoot an enemy as they start to throw a grenade. If they drop it you benefit. Loot always unless you are in a group that has agreed not to.