Jenn, I am a fighter pilot, I've flown with female fighter pilots, and seen firsthand the manner in which they have been introduced into the USAF/ANG/AFRES.

A few things to keep in mind:

1) Please pursue a career in fighters because you want to fly fighters. Not because you want to "show the guys you can do it". Do it for yourself and your country...not to prove a point.

2) There have been a few not so successful introductions of women into fighter squadrons that have caused a lot of guys to be very leery. It's not about a bunch of BS machisimo or whatever. It's about the very real fact that some (not all) of these female fighter pilots have caused a disintegration of unit morale through their actions. I'm not going to mention any names or units or be more specific on this forum, but ask some of the older pilots in your ANG unit and they'll know what I'm talking about.

3) Don't try to be "one of the guys" - just be yourself. No need to take up chewing tabacco, smoking cigars, or whatever to fit in. On the other hand, I'd personally prefer you not be one of these: Fighterchicks. If you want to be a fighter pilot where nobody cares if you're a female, then you don't need to go around flaunting it either.

4) I'll admit it - I wish women didn't want to fight in combat. I've seen combat and it ain't pretty. I'd far rather my son serve in combat than my daughters. That being said, if a woman feels like she is called to serve in that manner, then as long as she meets the same standards she'll get a fair shake from me. Can't promise everyone will feel the same way.

In closing, being a fighter pilot is about using pointy-nosed airplanes to KILL the enemies of our nation. If that's what you want to do then Godspeed to you!!