Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

Funny! As a Warrant Officer I have seen some hilarious instances where the cadet kids have tried. Always a good show. General Schwatzkopf told me once, "What do I do with Warrants, I can't tell them what to do?" He was a funny and amazing man.

It's NOT That Cadets Out Rank Anyone,
They Just Smell Funny

Yes AND no. It depends. IF it is just under the course of normal military days and duty, NO they do not. They have NO actual rank above regarding any active duty personnel. They are just college students with a scholarship that is paid for and an obligation AFTER graduation of being sworn in as Officers of the US Military. That's why they take the oath of duty AFTER they graduate.

However... there is a caveat. IF they have been activated to active duty by Presidential and DoD authorization, then yes, they are considered an 'officer' (rank of ensign or whatever branch equivalent) for the duration of that situation. This is extremely rare however and likely something that would only occur if we had a major national defense emergency situation like WWIII or an attack on our soil.

When they came on my ships the junior cadets, I think first of second summers maybe, would wear enlisted uniforms. We NCO's were the ones they had to see to get their requirements signed off, so usually no problems. After that they came back and would wear officer style uniforms and were busy getting that officer stuff signed off. Just call them "Sir" or "Ma'am" and ask if they have any questions they need answered.

Yeah RIGHT

I had Cadets assigned as.Platoon Leaders while I was Platoon Sergeant in 2 separate units. In both cases, someone put the fear of god into the Cadets I had. I treated them as officers and they treated me with complete respect.

NAW ~~ They May THINK They Out-Rank Others But, In Reality
They Just Smell Funny.

I was under the impression that cadets "held" a rank of "E-5", but only for administrative and payroll reasons. Otherwise, I don't believe they were even "active" military. My sister, who was an active military E-5, went to OTS after completing her college degree. She said that while she was in training, she was separated from the military, went through training and THEN re-entered the military and Commissioned as a 2LT.

I have no idea having never delt with then in the USMC, but I wouldn't think so, and wouldn't accept their authority without checking with my chain of command.

Don't push it boy.