[CosaNostraUSMC]

LION03,

I figured that, those were the responses your COC would "issue" you. At least we know, that our Corps remains consistent over the generations; expected to do MORE with LESS. Your situation typifies the "adapt and overcome" stigma that follows our leadership.

Everyone in your COC, who denied or laughed at your request, wasn't trying to take away from your goals, or prevent you from being sucessful in your mission. They've been there and done that, with regards to struggles of this nature. I'm sure they know, that if you "look" hard enough, and "work" on the issue at "your teams" level, you can and will find what you need. No one's going to coddle you, you're a leader now... step up to the plate.

This is the way of our Corps, it's how we select and produce leaders through fight or flight, and while some see it as a hinderance, don't be mistaken and don't let it detract from your motivation. Stay motivated, do what needs to be done. Be a smart weapon. The last thing I said to you before was, "ENGAGE YOUR BRAIN BEFORE YOUR WEAPON". Recall the lessons you learned at Edson Range, or wherever you did your Crucible. Recall your time at SOI. Get back to the basics, "analyze" and "think through" your current situation while applying lessons learned at those past places, and work with your team as a cohesive unit to solve your problem.

Like many here have said, and you have seen for yourself, the Ranger Handbook is a great piece of info. Use it.

If you're a TL, you're at least a LCpl or a Cpl, I'm guessing. Either way, someone thought you competent and mature enough to handle the responsibilities of this billet, and remember, you're being looked at with regards to leadership as such; in that case NCO and SNCO are not so far off.

You've been given an oportunity to show your stuff, and lead. So, you didn't get any of the things you asked for... so friggin what... the mission still needs to be accomplished. Troop welfare comes second to this, right?! Well, if you accomplish your mission, with regards to getting your team up to par, guess what... troop welfare will take care of itself.

Include the members of your team. Sit down and do some serious brainstroming; get info from your members on what they feel their individual strong and weak points are. Also, come to your own conclusion as to what their weaknesses are. Develop and implement your own training, since that's what your command's told you will be required in not so many words, and get your guys up to speed. Don't get too high speed or fancy... KISS.

Concentrate on the basics, and include everyone in every part of the training. You all should be able to do any one of your individual roles in the team, so if shit goes down, you're still effective. Everyone needs to be able to do their part, as well as the others'.

Bottom line, no one said it would be easy. It's really not such a dificult situation. You're team is at point A... and you need to get them to point B. Take charge of the situation and find your way.

Stay dedicated to the task and NEVER QUIT.

GTG?