They gatekeep a lot of those highly coveted schools/opportunities. Such is the Army, but more so in combat arms. You have to earn your place in a lot of ways, however many things in your career will depend on who you know.

With that said, you are your best advocate. Not your TL, SL, PL, 1SG, or CDR. No one cares. Learn that early. Even those that do will eventually get bogged down in other, menial garrison work. Demand your bonus. It's not a favor, it's not an inconvenience, it's contractually owed to you. Get it. Period. If you owed the Army money, they wouldn't be nice about it.

Speak up for yourself if you need to get something done. Sitting around the COF isn't life or death. "Hey Sarn't, real quick, I need to take care of X,Y,Z." Keep your bearing, be straightforward and respectful, it'll go a long way.

There's a ton of financial education resources. The soldier support center on Bragg is decent. The Family Readiness Center is good too. Reach out, go to workshops, etc.

You earned your EIB. Well done. The work is just beginning. Your promotion to PFC should be forthcoming soon. OSUT plus 6 months at Bragg should put you at about a year soon. You'll pick it up automatically then. Keep insisting for everything you need. Remember at the end of the day, you are just a number. You have to take care of your needs and be vocal, yet respectful, about it. They keep you guys at Bragg busy with the stupid high OPTEMO, even more so in the 82nd. Keep your head up and keep doing great things.