Crab...none of the current Civ crews would disagree with you on those pitiful experience levels. Driven by management bean counters and those weak minded Government types(easily swayed by the wave of the 'force hand'), in an attempt to allow low time experience an hence 'cheaper' crew members.
Pensions... don't ask, you won't get anything like that.
With the amount of lights on the modern SAR cabs, having to hover on the goggles is not an issue. Good transit aid though.