I knew quite a few dudes that went:
airmen - NCA - fast jets,
Including one fireman (when they were serviceman) and two leckys (the fireman went jags I think, the leckys went 1 jag 1 F4).
these were mates of mine...there were plenty of others.
That said, I agree these times have gone. Couple of years back i knew an air cadet that completed gold glider, ACPS, finished top 4, came back for John Cunningham Trophy, won that and still did not get in.
Its a tough gig these days - go for it out the box.