I don't know if anyone is still reading this thread, but I feel you could do this another way. First I would forget the phalanx fighting altogether. I would go standard fighter; pick my fist feats as so: combat reflexes, two weapon fighting, and improved shield bash. With a my stat line up focusing more on dexterity than strength. 2nd level weapon finesse. At 3rd level two weapon defense, weapon group close quarters (heavy shield), shield slam, 4th sword and shield synergy, 5th shield focus, 6th, weapon group light blades ( short sword) and improved two weapon fighting, 7th shield mastery, 8th dodge, 9th mobility, 10th psionic dodge, 11th greater two weapon fighting. 12th combat expertise and weapon group (throwing) for pilums. Also pick spears as your weapon gourd at 15th also for the pilum ( yes it's there). At 13th take missile shield, 14th disruptive, 15th spell breaker, 16th ray shield, 17th shield specialization, 18th vital strike, 19th improved vital strike, 20th greater vital strike. Mad if you can some how convince your GM for three more feats psionic weapon, greater psionic weapon combat patrol. Also I recommend going with a medium armor like breast plate for the armor training ability. Don' t take a tower shield not worth it one again this is just my take on it.