Are Cadets really respected as true Soldiers ?

"who really respects a Cadet who's in ROTC who's never seen basic or any real military lifestyle?"

You could just as easily say "who really respects a 2LT who just a couple months ago was in ROTC who's never seen basic or any real military lifestyle? "

My point is, while some amount of respect is certainly earned, treating future officers with due respect goes a long way towards, not only establishing a good positive relationship between the student and the troops he/she will soon be working with, but also sets the tone that should be fostered by soldiers towards officers.

I don't say this lightly. I have had the pleasure of interacting with thousands of cadets as an instructor and yes, there are some boneheads, just as there are bonehead privates and bonehead NCOs. But, there are many who either by virtue of prior service or by some aspect of their social upbringing who really seem to take the leadership reigns quickly. Good leadership should be respected and nurtured while these future officers are learning the ropes.

SGT (Join to see) They're on the path, but respect is earned never given.

I respected them as people and their desire to become leaders of the American Army. Most of the cadets I worked with were passionate about the Army and eager to learn. Asked questions and was receptive to mentorship.
I didn't respect them as true Soldiers because, frankly, they were not Soldiers at the time. They were trainees, and trainees earn respect with performance/actions. It wasn't given freely solely based on being a cadet