They do have a non-DCO program: it's called OCS, and it's for people who are usually around your age and who want to join the Navy as an Officer — but as active duty. You could join as an enlisted reservist, get some experience, and then go DCO in a few years...or you could wait until you've gained some quantifiable leadership experience in the civilian world, and it doesn't have to be via employment...it could be volunteer organizations, community service, etc. DCO is really geared toward people who are already professionals with leadership experience, and many with advanced degrees. OCS, in theory, takes people and teaches them leadership skills.