Try being a FAC if its available (Forward Air Controller) Its a new feature of Allied Force that allows you to fly ahead of a bombing group and mark targets using rocket smoke. Its very useful in multiplayer for lining up bombing runs over hot areas and help others find targets faster. I noticed in iraq they drop strobe beacons now instead of smoke to mark targets.
I also recommend joining a multiplayer squadron. Playing with a squadron really helps you learn more of what's inside the game that really isn't published in the manuals.
Multiviper (
http://www.multiviper.com/) and Freebirds (
http://www.freebirdswing.org/) are two very helpful squadrons that welcome all age groups.
Multiviper has dedicated online campaigns that are running 24 hours and are very fun to play with others. You also learn alot faster after flying a few flights in multiplayer (because you can ask questions right away as problems arise). They also provide orientation flights to go through various tactical engagements and to help you learn how to use the onboard systems. Both squadrons are very active and have missions running every night.