As long time fighter wing commander in field, I will give you few tips on how to make your men follow your lead instead of going on their own.
First, there are several things you need to consider as a commander:
1. You must know all your wingmates. You must know what are they capable of and what fight style they prefer. To gain this, train with them regularly.
2. Even if everyone is good at something, worse at something else, all your troops need to learn basics. Basics are offensive, dodging, pursuit and interception.
3. Always declare your second officer. You have only one pair of eyes and you see only 1/6 of battle at every single second. He might notice better targets than you.
4. Keep eye on the battle, enemy reserves and supplies, your own supplies and who is where and doing what.
5. You are commander and your duty is not to claim most kills, your duty is to steer men to victory, of if victory cannot be gained, you need to secure everyone is out. Commanders usually have more battleskill than recruits so, you can cover them or intecept the enemy untill they are clear.
6. Do not count on wining by attrition unless all your pilots are aces. (meaning you win by prolonging fight untill one side is out of recharges)
Thats about all i want to share, I will keep rest for myself. Do not forget, simple rules of war are appliable to this game as well. But most important thing is that you learn your troops and that they get accustomed to obeying orders.
To note, there are some pilots that hate orders and are inable to follow them what so ever. They are most efficient if left to their own initiative in battle. If nothing, they will either draw fire, or suprise enemies because they are unpredictable.
