If you don't do it, you will spend the rest of your life wondering what it would have been like. It's a chance in a lifetime. Go for it. You can always decide that it isnt for you after starting. But you cant change your mind if you dont go. Good Luck!
As for Sgt, I severely doubt that he would have lost money on pension, because his years of service would still count to his orificer pension. Additionally, as a Pilot Officer or Fg Off, he would still get his CT pay until his career caught up again with the CT pay rate. Seems like a dumb-ass (if brave) move to me. If he was a FS, then maybe I could understand, so close to WO, but Sgt-CT ? Nah.