Stax - would be interested to know how long ago it was that you were a cadet?
You are right, there are a number of people who are in our organisation for the percieved status. I'm in it because I enjoy watching others experience something they would never have done otherwise, and learn and grow from it. What would they have done otherwise? I take pride in my association with the RAF, but I'm not going to milk it! I think the majority of uniformed staff are in it for the right reasons, but as in all walks of life, there are others who really shouldn't leave the house!
My background was as cadet for 3 years at a small DF in Scotland. Over-riding career ambition was to be a weatherman (dont ask) or go into the RAF. The Met. Office got there first but was lucky to end up on an F3 base for 3 years (with various detachments, incl MPA). On being posted to Bracknell, I joined the local squadron as a CI, then went into uniform. I ran a neighbouring squadron for a couple of years, and am currently a squadron officer.