the cadets are on the same salery as direct entry SOs however as they are HK residents they do not get housing allowance or schooling.
Direct entry SOs are on the same deal as someone that joinded 4-10 years ago. the guys wanting to extend are basically being given cadet terms. ie no housing or allowance...
I wont get started on that.. however the cadet vs expat debate has been thrashed to death in another thread. my 2 cents worth though is i have not meet a cadet yet who would trade there job in for the uncertainty of 10 years in GA so they could get the housing. There is nothing stopping them from appying as DE S/Os.