Generally just training exercises & patrols.
The exercises can be great fun though when perfoming in large training operations with other nations.
Besides the obvious role of protecting the nation's skies, pilots are also important in maintaining their aircraft by reporting malfunctions, errors and suggesting tweaks which keep that aircraft in fighting condition.
for protection
US pilots usually carry the Beretta M-9, 9mm
Among other things, modern fighter pilots use G-suits, full face visor helmets, ejection seats and 'heads up' displays. -These are all inventions of the jet age.
There are so many variables that there's no 'best' fighter any more than there's a 'best' color.
Probably, during the 1982 Falklands War the Argentinians used US supplied (Vietnam War era) A4 Skyhawks. They were very good pilots and were very aggressive and good at their job.
The USAF, USN, and USMC. The US Army does NOT have fixed-wing jet aircraft anymore; that DoD ruling took effect in 1964. USMC jet fighter pilots are trained/funded by the USN.
Fighter Pilots Conspiracy happened in 1944.
Robert L. Gandt has written: 'The twilight warriors' -- subject(s): United States, Campaigns, American Naval operations, World War, 1939-1945, United States. Navy, Biography, History 'China Clipper' -- subject(s): History, China Clipper (Airplane), Seaplanes 'With hostile intent' -- subject(s): Air pilots, Military, Air warfare, Fiction, Fighter pilots, Hornet (Jet fighter plane), Military Air pilots 'Bogeys and bandits' -- subject(s): Fighter pilots, Hornet (Jet fighter plane), Training of, United States, United States. Navy. Strike Fighter Wing
International Fighter Pilots Academy was created in 1993.
Depends what type of fighter jet it is
Anyone can own a fighter jet yet not everyone is able to fly them. For example in Australia a jet pilot licence is needed. This licence is near impossible for civilians to obtain. It is only usually issued to military pilots or in extreame conditions. without that licence you cannot fly it but you can own one.
Private military companies are not authorized to engage enemies offensively. Therefore, PMCs have no need for fighter pilots. However I do know they hire helecopter pilots and may (i dont know for sure) hire pilots for transport purposes