Thanks, all! For the benefit of others following this thread or currently in this process, here's my timeline:
Basics: 37 years old, 15 years experience in academic/government enterprise IT with the same large organization. Finished my education late in life. In 1991 I started college with a full ROTC scholarship. I set all of that aside, and got lost in the world of computers and networks. That turned into my career. So I'm definitely not a "conventional" applicant.
More on my background...
Late 2006/Early 2007: Thinking about joining the Navy. Learn that age limits have been raised for DIRCOM programs...
27NOV07: First contact with the Navy about DIRCOM programs, where I learned the basics about what I needed to do to prepare.
16FEB09: Next contact with the Navy, after I had completed my bachelors and enrolled in my current graduate program (and lost over 50 pounds to get into shape...)
03MAR09: Hooked up with an officer recruiter, who would be the one to help me through the process. Found that I missed the MAR09 INTEL board (obviously), and that the next one would be in SEP09.
24APR09: Took ASTB (8/8/7/68).
02MAY10: Began collecting letters of recommendation. Joined professional organizations to learn about the community, such as Naval Intelligence Professionals.
21MAY09: NIRR Midwest OIC interview, which resulted in a "good" endorsement (this was before the board format interviews were required for INTEL).
Summer 09: Completed the rest of the application package and waited for the board...
14-16SEP09: INTEL PR meets. I was not selected. However, I was informed that I was among a group of people who were "very strong" applicants, but as the Information Dominance Corps was being created, the board was going to begin trying to more effectively match people with disciplines. Thus, my package was forwarded to the 22-25MAR10 board, the first joint IDC PR, for consideration by IW/IP. All this time I have been learning more about the Navy and these communities, and decide I am going to do what it takes to make this happen. At this time I also decide IW is the best fit for me.
SEP09-FEB10: Over the next few months, I immerse myself in the emergence of the Navy IDC. I arrange my own interviews, which includes two O-7 IW, three O-6 IW, two O-6 IP, and one O-6 SWO for good measure. All interviews are outstanding. I travel to Buckley AFB, CO, Ft Meade, MD, and NS Great Lakes, IL, several times to make these interviews happen. I attended a NIP luncheon in DC, and got to hear VADM Dorsett speak about the creation of the Information Dominance Corps. I also met some great people in the Navy INTEL community, including a just-retired Rear Admiral... I add a couple LORs in addition to the interviews, submit my package to IW and IP, and wait for the board.
22-25MAR10: First-ever joint IDC board convenes. I find I was not selected, likely due to leadership experience not being evident in my package. I take some time to regroup and think about how to proceed. Again traveled to DC and talked with the Admiral I met through NIP, and received extremely valuable mentoring and guidance on exactly what I should do with my application...
APR10: Founded
CAPT John W "Swede" Peterson Memorial Award in the name of my late director at work, and someone who was a valued mentor and teacher.
Summer 10: Through an IW officer I met along the way, I became involved in helping manage some online outreach and social media communities related to the IDC. I know this probably isn't a normal occurrence, but this was an excellent opportunity to really show my level of commitment. Additionally, it's something I care about and would want to do anyway.
AUG10: I decide I am going to go for it again, add another interview, a very strong LOR from a NIOC CO, and sit for the board format INTEL interview and obtain a new NIRR Midwest OIC endorsement. Again submit package, with a reconsideration letter, a completely redone motivational statement, and highlighting the leadership experience I have had. IW is my first choice. Again, wait.
20-23SEP10: IDC board convenes. I learn that I have been selected for IW, with the comment from an officer in the IW community that "persistence pays off".
I couldn't have done any of this without the support of my wife, my recruiter, and the help of forums like this. I want you to know that if you want this, you can make it happen. Even if you don't have the qualifications, you can get them, and better yourself over time. Even if you decide to choose a different path, you will only be a better person for the effort.
So, best of luck to all who are waiting...and no matter what happens, it's still just a step in the journey!