I thought someone might quote Sgt Walt.
Given the combat use and extensive frontline deployment of the F-16A, the argument that the 30/32 was the first full-capability jet is a bit like claiming that the Spitfire IX was the first "real" Spitfire. Yes, the USAF did have improvements and add-ons planned early on, but that's simply common sense - and many of the As are still flying with upgrades.
Elsewhere, Sgt Walt argues that the reference F-16 program start date should be the first flight of the YF, but that the equivalent for the JSF is the first flight of AA-1 in 2006 - which makes the JSF program has been as fast as the F-16... Utterly ludicrous. He baffles the kiddies with the usual but makes no sense at all if you know the first thing about history.