Take it slow is my recommendation. My first DACTs back then as you may have read, started off with me with missiles and them with guns. Then I got a bit more comfortable and now ran it with missiles and still do. But I think you need to fly a jet and get used to it before you fight it. Of course when you get more experience you can pick up a jet, and figure out it's maneuverability and go from there. But start off with a Phantom, as it's to me anyway a good "warm up" jet as while it can burn, it can't turn very well as an opponent, giving you time to work on getting in the kill slot, either for guns or missiles. And just a note, the Atolls on the Fishbeds (and if my mind serves me right) carry Atolls, which are equivalent to AIM-9Bs, even the newer ones so you have to worry about it getting a rear aspect shot on you. Everything is cake even with 9Ls or 9Ms. The 9X or newer AAMs make it too damn easy.