My former unit didn't require that you 'knew' someone. In the last 30+ years I can think of one guy who was enlisted in the unit (now an O-6 so I guess he was deserving). One guy might have know someone(it's been so long I forget). The rest have been OTS that didn't know anyone. The unit ran a blind/neutral interview board and selected the best candidate. Yes, even out of state candidates.

No one was born 32 yrs old. Except for medical issues everyone had the same opportunities.