I'd suggest you scrap the recruit gear. As far as I know it is going to be absolutely 100% garbage for PvE. Look for cheap level 50 prototype purples, I sold a bunch when I moved my marauders over, they sold at market price for between about 13 and 45k per. You should be able to get some decent gear like that. Next, depending on how much cash you have, look on the AH for crafted 25 or 26 purple mods/enhancements/armor plates.

In terms of gearing I would probably prioritize like this.

1) VG
2) Slinger

Putting resources into those two characters will get you your biggest bang for your buck return. The tank with some rakata or higher tier armor plates off the GTN will in turn make your healer more efficient and pimping your gunslinger out will help you kill stuff before the enrage timer.

You may even want to solo queue your tank and slinger a bit to get starter gear!