I just downloaded the game yesterday and I've got some questions(as the title says)

First, is there any way to get the chat screen to stay up at all times? For me it only seems to be there while I'm battling, but not while I'm moving around the map

Second, anyone wanna group up? I'm a veteran of MW I, but the maps and stuff of II are so different I'm a little lost...

Last, what's the deal with skills? I'm really confused on those...