Sniper 0,
Thanks for your post. I have not flown in this theater yet, I do agree with jstnj that in every theater, the first couple of days is pretty hectic. I have found this possible solution for you. It works for me to keep from destroying all of our airborne assets.
Instead of flying BARCAPs and sweeps, fly AMBUSH caps. Stay NOE (Nap of the earth) and then pop up and attack them, Then, go back to NOE. You can normally use DOGFIGHT with AIM-120 or AIM-9s. If nothing seems to work, you can simply discard the mission and then fly it again until you get it right.
Do not give up when things get tough. If something is really tough, create a tactical engagement so you can practice the same type of mission over and over without destroying all of your side’s aircraft.
Good luck sir, and welcome to the most realistic and exiting simulation ever created and which is always being updated.
Raven