You should try to avoid taking the ME path unless really no choice or cannot get in officer path. ME has very little career progression as this is suppose to be technical route, sort of like alternative for those with no leadership and management skill.

Normal deg grad go in at ME4 and retire at ME6, i.e. you will only promote twice in your whole life. ME8 and ME7 is almost no chance as each service has only 1 ME8 and 5-6 ME7. Although technically speaking ME4 - 6 are suppose to be equal to field grade officers, you will realise the respect, authority and prestige in SAF for ME is way below that of officers.