Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

As a SSG I had the honor of being a friends first salute when he graduated from the US Naval Acadamey and it is a source of pride and an honor to watch a young midshipman grow into a fine naval officer with guidance and a teaching hand. The flip side of this is while at the graduation I saluted a group of newly minted USMC 2LT’s, one of whiches uncles was an army LTG. The LTG asked me if I would impart a little wisdom on the new 2LT’s and when I mentioned learning from their NCO’s one 2LT stated he out ranked a Gunny. Long story short the LTG’s eyes crossed in disbelief and I asked if I could correct the young Lieutenant. Most young officers or cadets will struggle and stumble somewhere along the way and as an NCO it’s your job to teach and foster.i

AR 600-25 lists hand salutes to be rendered between officers and enlisted.
a. For instructions on executing the hand salute, see FM 3–21.5, paragraph 4–4.
b. All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute.
Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant) and enlisted personnel, and with personnel of
the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service
entitled to the salute.

Cadets have not been commissioned and do not hold a position of officer until they complete the service academy or ROTC. AS SUCH, they aren't entitled to a salute.

With that said. Cadet command Circular 145-11-98 leaves this up to commanders to ENCOURAGE rendering courtesies to cadets

Long winded I know, but no, you aren't REQUIRED to salute

Well, they either paid good money or took out a substantial loan to pay for that tuition that affords them air of superiority that grants them that level of authority.

The best I've experienced was when I was a Corporal TAD in the Company office on light duty after an injury standing outside for a smoke break, I greeted a brand new 2Lt with all the protocols and he said, "Your not in boot camp anymore Marine." A few minutes later I passed him in the corridor again (this time he was talking to a Captain) I passed silently by as was customary so as not to interrupt his reporting in. The 2Lt yelled, "No proper greeting of the day!?" I replied, "You told me I wasn't in boot camp anymore, sir." The Captain then yelled, "You said that to one of my Marines? Understand this quickly, 2Lt, the lowest private here has more time in than you."

They will change their minds after getting a few miles under their belts.

They outrank a CSM technically. But one should always keep in mind, a CSM's other half is a C.O.L. LOL!, and a SFC's is a 1st or 2nd LT. They get paid as an E-5 though. Good ones know their role and aren't really ever an issue.

In the Guard, Contracted Cadets are E-5s. How we're treated varies from cadet to cadet and unit to unit. In theory we shadow the LT we're assigned to and perform whatever duties are asked of us. In practice, inept or cocky cadets are treated like a better paid private, solid cadets who show show some humilty and willingness to learn, which is why we're there, practical leadership training, are treated like junior NCOs or Officers based on the role they fill. I know it's a different animal from the CTLT cadets the active guys deal with since in the Guard we're still soldiers in the unit, and remaun there until we commission, but thats been experience going from E4 to cadet and now commissioning in a few months.

I manage dining services at a university and I have a lot of interaction with cadets of all services. I found most are very respectful and are willing to listen to NCOs ( even former). I have also worked with Service academy cadets (also I have relatives who graduated from them) and I have the same experiences.
I jokingly call the Cadidiots when someone makes a bonehead mistake, however all and all it’s been a pleasure to work with cadets.

Lol no one wants my opinion on this.

Years ago we were tasked with a portion of ROTC Summer Camp, specifically patrolling. Had a cadet that was prior service E5 11B that had served with the 82d. He was constantly questioning everything. He happened to be the PL as we were moving thru a thigh deep swamp. I called "Patrol Leader" and he came scampering up looking all important. I told him we'd take a 30 minute break in place. So down they went into the water, heard lots of serious grumbling from his classmates. Laughed my ass off, never heard a peep from him again.