Red Line Entry everyone goes to University these days. Sir Peter Squire pushed hard for the old style Cranwell 3 year course to be recognised as a University degree, but the academics would have none of it.
It is not officer training which takes the time and costs a fortune, but flying training to the standard required to fly single seat fast jets. The sophisticated computer systems are so complex I doubt few without considerable training could readily understand and handle them. The Harrier used by the RAF in the Falklands didn't even have radar.
My son-in-law graduated with a 4 year aeronautics degree. He was in the fortunate position that he didm't have to worry about career choices or income stream and his father wanted him to select a flying career, a view I shared. But as one of the snow drop generation he went into investment banking. In retrospect I would find it hard to question his choice,