Yes. The biggest think I did last year was join the state guard. I'm the Intel officer for the state and work with the ARNG intel section. I also have added more references (from navy officers) to my package. I hope to get an intel officer this year to help mentor me more. I am in communication with an Admiral with 10th fleet that I hope will guide me, do an interview, or write a reference. The region intel OIC gave me his contact info, so I will try there as well. I am willing to add certificates if that is a major standout. I also am thinking about learning a language (maybe russian) this year.
Also, I'm planning on adding congressional references. I have two contacts.... one sits on homeland security committee and the other is a former army ranger.
Honestly I would ditch the idea of just loading up on big names (admirals, Congressmen, etc). Those references are a dime a dozen, just look at the DC applicant pool. I would focus on getting good references from people who know you well, beyond just being "contacts." Unless you have specifically reported to those people, nobody will care. Your new job as an intel analyst for the ARNG will probably be your biggest boost. I would definitely try to get your supervisor there to write you a recommendation.
Who has seen you perform well in adverse situations? Who has discussed your interests, character and leadership potential with you in depth? Who are your current mentors? Those are your references.
Learning Russian is a nice idea, but boards won't really care unless you are proficient in the language, in my experience.
If you don't already have a master's degree, I would prioritize that over certificates.
