Guys,
it's mentioned a few times here that military time doesn't get you exam exemptions these days, but don't forget the lad is just 18 and needs his 4 and a bit years to even become licensed.
Time in the military would teach him to drink, socialize and fix aircraft, and if he was dedicated as with any route into the industry, he could sit his exams then gain a restricted license until he gets his 12 months commercial experience.
There are still people coming out of the Senior service, the Army and the other lot who enter the commercial world down the license route.