If you filter out the selective memory and history so far in this thread, joining as a junior rank with the intention of becoming an Officer (never mind a Pilot) is ill advised. Very very few people ever make it. If you have the aptitude for Pilot, go for it. If you haven't, there's almost nothing about being an airman that will give you that aptitude. If you need to grow up a bit, go get a degree, join the UAS, apply for Pilot. If being an airman made you more suitable to be an Officer, it would be the route for all. It isn't.