Don't need help, but am curious abut the civilian credentials or experience that got you selected. It sound trite, but I really am asking for a friend.
Background was a degree in Poli Sci and a minor in Public Affairs from a good university. However, I was largely involved in my community at large doing a lot of volunteer work, as well as maintained a job in teaching and politics (running a campaign and lobbying) for a few years. When it came to the minimum requirements for things like letters of recommendation, I submitted more than what the board was asking because I thought it added additional value.
One of the CDRs on the board said it was great to see as much experience as I had at my age, with a good degree/GPA, but what really made the difference was that you did all of that while also giving back. It lent to the "being a Naval officer first, PAO second" mentality.
When it comes to the writing portion, I told a story that was well written and took me forever to write and revise, including having numerous others look it over. It is worth taking the time on this and it does NOT need to be tailored to a particular community; I got selected by other communities.
For the officer recommendations, it helps to do your research and make sure those recommending you are well established in the community and dont just interview/do recommendations for everyone. If you or your recruiter does not know of any PAOs, reach out to the fleet and do your research. Every NRD has an MC1 or MCC who can put you in contact with at least an O4+ who can prob refer you to another. I say this because this is one of the biggest hurdles I had to face and my recruiter said he knew nobody or even where to start to reach out. Thankfully, my brother was an MC1 at the time who was able to put me in contact with his first department head. Also, every major command has a PAO...
BT
My biggest pet peeve is when people say it is impossible and they give up or dont try. I unfortunately did not have a recruiter that was a lot of help, but another recruiter stepped in to assist.
With this program, it is incredibly difficult to get selected to be a PAO for OCS not being a prior, but not impossible. In fact, the board after me also selected one civilian and the PAO community is expected to grow in billets within the next couple of years so opportunities will be increasing.
BT
I did submit PAO as my #2 choice despite it being my #1 desire because I did not expect to get selected. Whether or not my recruiter actually submitted it as #2, I am not sure. It is a great community and Im incredibly honored to be in it. For all those seeking to apply, I just recommend you go for it, put it high on your submission list and see what the board thinks.