title: Combat Ready: Lessons Learned in the Journey to Fighter Pilot
author: Capt Taylor Fox
description: Captain Taylor Fox grew up in Springfield, Missouri before graduating with a Masters degree in Business from the University of Missouri. He went on to graduate in the top of his pilot training classes and flew the F-16 for the Air National Guard before transitioning to fly the F-22 in the Air Force Reserves. Having worked in a varietyof industries including a venture capital fund, a global marketing agency, a digital news company, a corporate aviation departmentand startingnumerous ventures on his own, Fox has an unusual perspective of the relationship between combat preparation and business. It is alevel of experience necessary to relate to most industries. In addition to the Air Force, he loves traveling, running, and isactive in real estate.
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  [Contents](038075357X_toc.htm)
  
  # **Chapter 24**
  
  "Oh, ----," I said. "Let's get out of here."
  
  The fighter wheeled about to make another pass at us.
  
  Nikki didn't need any encouragement. I fell back into the seat as we flew
  forward at maximum speed.
  
  "Get the radar on them," Nikki said.
  
  "Good idea." I struggled to overcome our acceleration and get my hand to the
  switch to turn the machine on. Then I had to turn the antenna to pick up what
  was behind us.
  
  "Let me know if they fire any missiles."
  
  "They have those?"
  
  "You better believe it," Nikki said. " I suspect he's holding off because he
  doesn't know what he's dealing with."
  
  "A sitting duck."
  
  "But when he sees that we can keep up with the rocket, I'm sure he'll try to
  get us before we get away from him--"
  
  "Here come two missiles," I said as I saw two small blips break off of the
  larger one behind us.
  
  "Two! Can't out maneuver two," Nikki said. " I've heard pilots talk...