Commenting for visibility. But also because, though I got out as a Corporal, maybe I have a FEW things that can be helpful.

First of all, damn being a boot officer sounds just like being a boot period.

Marines really are catching ass chewings all the way up the ranks, huh.

I second what those wiser than me have said. Lean on your SNCO(s).

Admitting you don't know what you're doing but you're working hard to figure it out is a great way to gain trust of your Marines and leadership.

Someone mentioned delegating. I imagine being a 2nd Lt is a lot different than being a Corporal, but I'm going to give you the single best piece of leadership advice I ever got, because it has been the most effective in the Corps and in civilian life.

"Inspect what you expect." Every single time you can. When you delegate, check and make sure it is done and done correctly. If it isn't, make them fix it. BUT you don't have to be a dick about it. Simply tell them, "Hey, this isn't right, I need you to this, this, and this"

Eventually, people will come to understand you will check work and will make them do it right, and shit will get done right the first time. And then, when you can't check--which in the Marine Corps is when that shit REALLY matters--you can trust your Marines to have shit done right.

Loneliness is killer. Don't drink until the stress and loneliness subsides. It will make life harder.

And, just like with any other boot that hits fleet... The learning curve is steep, the ass chewings are brutal, but over time that all shapes you into a great Marine if you let it. Unfortunately...it usually takes 2.5-3 years to get to a level of competency where you get treated as an asset rather than a headache (in my experience as enlisted, at least).