Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

I know that in the USN the two lower years were generally treated as being non-rated (below E-3) status. The third year usually got treated as something like a first class (E-6). And the fourth years were in khaki's and got treated something like JO's (O-1's with about as much real respect). Most departments on the ship would have a list of crap jobs for the middies to do while they were in their divisions.

No. On paper, a cadet's pay grade is E-5. The "best" argument they could have is that they are "equal" to an E-5, which we all know is wrong. If the cadets you deal with insist they outrank NCOs, please direct them to the nearest NCO (better yet, a senior NCO) and have them try and explain that to them. It will be a great time, I promise!

Technically yes they do however a good Officer will inform the cadets to listen to their NCOs

My thoughts are that a cadet/candidate/whatever their respective branch calls them does not necessarily outrank an NCO. At least in the Marine Corps, going through OCS as a candidate you're not technically a Marine Officer until you receive your commission, and that is when you first receive any form of actual military rank.

Since a Cadet is not actually in the Armed Forces until their training is complete, I'd have the little sh*t get me another cup of coffee.

Respect for rank and respect for an individual is two different things. As I had cadets and 2LTs in my unit, we had a CLEAR understanding who is in charge upon arrival!!! I've had the pleasure of reminding one Cadet once and he developed into an outstanding retired Brigadier General. We have been friends now for 32 years.

I've trained thousands of cadets and my answer is this those cadets are NOT completely commissioned until they've completed BOLC they are warranted a salute and the greeting of the day in garrison. Other than that they're on a student status and are not ENTITLED to any special treatment.

Cadets do not outrank an NCO until they officially commission into the US military, which does not happen until completion of their schooling/training.

told one cadet that the E-5 on his ID card was a pay grade not a rank.
and every PVT who goes through Basic Training memorizes every rank in the Army and there is no Cadet in the list.
Cadet/E-5 is not a rank, it is a pay grade

NO, NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO! They are Cadets, under training, there to learn, not to assume responsibilities they are not ready.