Cadet Program
Wow I don't know anything about flying and lurk here for fun.
You guys going for the cadet program should think about it more.
It would be like someone applying for my occupation (police officer)
and accepting a low paying job that involves only taking notes and maybe working the siren, and doing this for years. We would not respect you from a career point
of view because of your "flunky" status and when you go to another force to apply using your experience they would just laugh and recommend you apply and start from square one. You would not be invited to coffee or swing shift parties due to our embarrassment on your behalf regarding the career path you've taken.
But! You get to ride in a police car and wear a uniform. Isn't that cool? No. The novelty wears off and it's your passion for the job (if there is any left after dealing with the politics of the job) and your long term achievments, professional contacts, friendships, and approaching retirement that keep you going. I only compare this to my occupation because I can relate to it but am sure others can apply their jobs to this scenario as well.
Do any pilots here agree with this simplistic comparison?