I disagree. After 19 years in the military, it's anything but ab initio. I joined the military when I was 17, I busted my ass to get a college degree, in hopes of flying for the military. I was enlisted 8 years, and now officer for 11. I fly for the military and for Jetblue. unlike an "ab initio" program, the military requires you serve regardless of if you make it through pilot training.
Make no mistake, I see your point, but they are hardly the same.