US military pilots do not have much more experience when they become operational, but in both cases...

1) Demand is high for the jobs, so they can be very picky. A rich dad and a 2.8 HS GPA is a non-starter.

2) The training is challenging and unforgiving. You cannot buy remedial training.

3) Neither US military nor foreign airline pilots mix it up with general aviation much. The mil guys usually have their own airspace where the other aircraft are predictable (to them). Military pilots also die on a regular basis too. Foreign pilots flying in their own country have almost no GA, and if they get on a widebody and come here they will do a straight-in ILS in B airspace. A US regional or narrowbody pilot benefits from have part 91 survival skills and instincts.

1500 hours is by no means the best solution, but it is better than nothing. It doesn't address academics, but it does ensure that we don't have private pilots flying airliners. Cuz face it a 250 hour CPL is just a PPL who can do chandelles. 1500 hours is more experience and (hopefully) judgement. I would like to see more stringent academic testing at the entry level. Select people who actually understand some aerodynamics as opposed to just memorizing the question bank. But the RAA will NEVER, EVER allow that...if they have to compete for people who could go to med or engineering school, they would be hosed.