Foxmoth, me old son, (I'm probably old enuf to be your Granny)
Mary, having tracked down an Oxford Mail report, you would definitely not have managed that, though I am sure there are a few here that might apply to - I hope though I am flying as much as you in another 24 years or so (to give a hint!).
As far as ex Military instructors go and
The few I have flown with in the States tended to be a bit rigid....
, the military in the States tends to be a bit different in general from the UK and I think most you will come across here will be a bit more relaxed, though as the OP is in the States I can see the reason for your statement.