Yeah, that's pretty much how I did it too...
No instruction manual, and about three missions before I realised Select _did_ anything.
And then, about five more before I figured out how to even think of calling on my wingman.
(But, after that, it was mission after mission of "Go home!"

)
It's basic fiddling, and, once you've gotten it, WRITE IT DOWN!!
(Otherwise, I'm going to have to call this thread up some five years from now.

)
Edit
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Of course, I still stand by C, 1, 2 being easier.
