You will hear it your entire career...."past performance is indicative of future performance" and the CO (and chain of command) won't recommend you for any commissioning programs if they don't see/think you have what it takes. If you are applying from the Fleet, as apgallozzi has stated, be sure to go above and beyond the expectations, work hard, be proactive on qualifications, strive to work at the next higher paygrade, seek positions of responsibility and leadership, volunteer for community outreach programs, etc. You should also speak to other officers and understand what it means to be one.
You can better believe it that the military officers, sitting on the Admissions Board (and any civilians with prior military experience), are looking for those items in the CO's recommendations.