opso,
The point I was trying to make had nothing to do with civilians applying for anything. There were many nco aircrew who (for many, generally personal reasons) did not seek a commission in any branch other than their own. Those who chose to apply for a re-branch often did better than their civilian fellow candidates. Some of the best (serving) candidates I ever saw were guys who had just finished Halton apprenticeships. Does that tell you something.