Old-Duffer:
Former members who join the armed forces are easier to train, more willing to conform, have lower attrition rates in training, better pass rates, remain longer and generally cause less trouble, than those with no previous cadet experience.
I think that you have summed up very well the major difference in the cadet force you first joined and today's organisation. Then, the large majority of adults had service experience, now they are in a minority. One could argue that this in keeping with the change of role in 1962(?) from pre-service training organisation to MoD sponsored youth organisation and the later withdrawal of the then Inspectorate of Recruiting (IoR) from its direct involvement with the cadet forces. The character of the cadet forces has changed quite significantly over the years.
One has to question whether the current models are the correct and appropriate in today's environment. The ACF, ATC and SCC have quite different structures. The CCF stands apart from the other three. There really is a case for a common model and maybe even a more "Joint" approach to the cadet forces. A looser system more akin to the SCC may even appeal given the MoD's almost total aversion to any risk in this field.
YS