Supra et Ultra

Professor Drake decides to join the UC Vanguard.

The quest begins when speaking to Commander Tuala and ends after completing the flight simulator and swearing in to the UC Vanguard.

There are multiple benefits to doing this at this time:

1. Money - The UC Vanguard gives you a stipend upon swearing in.
2. Piloting skill progress - If you complete all six tiers, you must destroy 15 enemies. This can be repeated each time you want more skill progress.
3. UC Vanguard ship components - After completing the first quest, you will be allowed to purchase Vanguard-specific components, most notably the 2 energy weapons and the high defense shields.

Professor Drake is doing it now to unlock the weapons and the shields before proceeding to some additional side quests. For purposes of the training simulator only, the difficulty for space combat is set to minimal levels. I'll admit, I cannot beat tier 6 with the difficulty cranked up!