This is the competent converse of the Redshirt Army. They are not the protagonists, but just their support. We probably won't get to know many of them well, though those we do meet we'll probably know better than a Mauve Shirt. As far as Character Focus goes, they could be Cannon Fodder. But they are not Cannon Fodder. Unlike the Redshirt Army, they will live. Unlike the Redshirt Army, they are openly competent at fighting their enemies, especially those that can kill you just by being looked at funny; they are truly helpful. Whether this help is acknowledged depends on the writer.