IMO, allowing some AF pilots to avoid the T-38 was a big mistake in the big scheme. I know that train left the station a long time ago and it was probably unavoidable given the limited T-38 airframes and lack of a replacement.

However, that aircraft used to be the great equalizer. You had to master it to get your wings and if you did, you proved yourself worthy of wearing them - no matter which aircraft you ended up flying.

No amount of exposure to a crew environment in a T-1 can outweigh the benefits of learning to fly and think at 300+ knots by yourself. Pity.