Blaze,
Some very wise words from Genghis indeed, just a couple of things I would add.
There is no such thing as absolute safety when it comes to riding in a mechanical device. So if you are not prepared to live with the risk of a range of outcomes from walking away from a burning wreck to death (and every possible combination in between) then this line of work is not for you. We all tend to think "it will never happen to me" - but we train and prepare for the worst on a regular basis. And trust me it can happen to "little old you"
Modern flying equipment goes a long way to alleviating the physically demanding effects of flying military aircraft. It is not just the 'g' forces we have to contend with but also altitude, (oxygen and decompression). In addition, it has to be able to help you survive out of the aircraft after an ejection maybe in arctic or sea survival situations. Plus, don't forget those nasty little nuclear, biological and chemical threats that may exist in a war zone.
As someone involved in testing military aircraft you would be involved in many aspects of the process that as an operational squadron pilot you never even knew existed. The testing community contains (needs) a broad spectum of backgrounds and abilities not least of which is experience of the roles for which the product you are investigating has been designed.
Personally, I didn't go to test pilot school until I had completed 13 years of military service, best course I have ever done, and the rewards are well worth the long hours during the year long course.
Regards
Tarnished