1st time BF player today on BF 6...help

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I'm struggling a bit with this game.  After investing about an hour into trying to get a game session going after launch, I managed to get into the game and play a few training and then a few Multiplayer matches.

My experience consisted of a LOT of running around the map and a lot of respawning after being destroyed.  Wasn't able to get close enough to anything (objectives or enemy) to capture/target and so ended up walking away from it for now.  The closest I got to killing enemy was with a Sniper class but even then all were missed shots. 

How do I locate myself on the map?  Sure, I found the icon on the mini-map that represents my guy but it's tiny, hard to find and doesn't really show direction...I need quick reference to my location (and objectives) all the time...especially on these huge, new-to-me maps.  I wanna glance at the map, see my position and know immediately where to go next.

Why does the spawn screen seem to randomly allow me to spawn at my chosen spot?  What is the trick to the I-choose-my-spawn screen with respect to game play?  By the time I could reach a target objective (A-E), it would already be captured.  The next objective seemed to always be on the other side of the map.

Given the frequency of respawn, I know the enemy can see me easily pretty much all the time...

What am I missing?  Really want to enjoy this game but right now it's just frustrating.  Are any of you aware of a guide Online to BF newbies?

-weq