I get PMs asking about certification...So here goes...

To start get the basics: Security +, Network +, A+, and Server +....You can do these on your own thru the comptia web site...Download the overview and google the information, create your own studyguide or find one on-line that someone else has created. The tests are not difficult...If you can only get one - get Security+. It allows you to work as an System Admin on federal government / DoD computer systems.

CCNA - essential if you want to get into networking...Again, there are plenty of materials on-line and a boot camp then test will get you certified in 2-3 weeks. You'll need experience, but once you get in the game you can pick up the skills on the job.

CCNA voice / security - get these to be more employable and security certifications never hurt...Voice over IP - same thing...

Red Hat - if you don't want to get into microsoft system administration Red Hat is the OS of choice for fed gov / DoD.

VMWare - with everything moving to the cloud and being virtualized...Any level of understanding / hands on work with VMWare will be essential.

CISSP - higher level system security , Info Assurance, cyber security work will require a CISSP.

CEH - to do penetration testing , etc...Easy test and worth it to have on the resume...

I've got the MCITP Enterprise Admin, Security+, CISSP, CCNA, Server +, CEH, and VCP 5. Plus, a lot of hands on DISA telecommunications / network engineering / troubleshooting experience and DoD cryptographic device maintenance training thru USAF and advanced training thru Central Security Service.