Times have changed. Women have played an increasingly important role in the military since the First Gulf War, and have recently been authorized to formally join combat units. I think there's plenty of evidence to show that gender has no bearing on how brave a person may be.
One other thing: When I first wrote this book in 2001, American A-10As and F-15s were once more in action over Europe and in the Gulf. In some minor instances, I thought it prudent to gloss over or omit some technical details of operations and equipment. In no case did that affect the story, although I have to admit I was tempted to give Doberman’s Hog uprated engines toward the end.
— Jim DeFelice