Hi Seph,
If you don't mind relocating, there are plenty of positions
in Maryland (Ft. Mead) and Arizona (Ft Huachuca). The positions are Sys Admins with an emphasis on security. There are also positions such as (HBSS) Host Based Security Systems Administrator and IA Specialist.
With your military experience and clearance you won't have a problem finding work.
Good luck.
http://www.indeed.com/q-Information-Assurance-l-Sierra-Vista,-AZ-jobs.html

Most of my credits were online also. I think in the private sector, especially in Management, it matters more. From what I’ve seen around here the contracting company gets more from the government if their employees have a degree. I haven’t heard anything different on the Government civilian (GS) side. I would have gone with WGU if I’d known about it sooner. WGU has IA Bachelor and Master Degrees that incorporate certifications into their degree programs. And they are all online. I haven’t researched WGU (www.WGU.edu) enough to give more information. I’m sure others here can help in that area.

Good luck Ryan,
Check in every so often and let us know your progress. And if you ever want to talk offline let me know.

Hi Ryan,
I was in for 6 years and got out as an E-5.  When I left I didn’t really wanted to distance myself from contracting/military. Not that I didn’t enjoy the experience just wanted to get away. There were plenty of offers from DoD contractors and Government but I turned them all down and decided Telecom would be my career. When the economy tanked I was laid off after 8 years in Telecom so, I used my GI Bill and finished my degree in Information Systems.  I was also able to get a few certs with my GI Bill before it ran out. The only areas hiring at the time were DoD/Contrators. Now that I’m back in this environment I don’t see any cuts in the near future. There is a big push for cyber security professionals in DoD right now.  I don’t see that changing any time soon.
I can see your predicament. If you plan on retiring from the Navy then I would go the officer route. Your retirement pay will be higher, I believe.  Finish your degree and a get few certs. Most of the certs aren’t too expensive unless you go for SANS. The Navy has some really great schools as far as Network Security goes. I think Mile 2 does a lot of their training.
Oh yeah, working with HBSS is easy but maintaining it is a pain.

Hello BACARDI,
I am currently on the McAfee HBSS project you mentioned.
I have been out of the military for a few years now. Although my military experience did not help me get my first job in telecom, it definitely got my foot in the door in my current position.  I think others will agree that it depends on what sector you are looking at going into. From my experience, the private sector allows for more growth/freedom. In that sector you may be hired as a Sys Admin but do Network Admin, Desktop, ect. Also, the private sector wants experience above certs.  A degree in this sector will help.
This environment (Gov. or Contractor) is really compartmentalized meaning AD does just AD, DNS just DNS, Server support, UNIX, Windows, Applications Teams just do their specific application. Although not great for growth it is good when you look at it from a security perspective (segregation of duties/least privileged). The Government wants certifications (DoD 8570.01m) and military experience. A degree if you want to advance. My opinion… You have some great experience. I would focus getting a degree before you get out of the military and a few key certs such as Sec+, C|EH, CISSP, CCNA, MCSE. I mention C|EH just because it covers 4 of 5 levels of CND under the DoD 8570.
Like others have mentioned OSCP is great and in my future plans.
Good luck and thank you for your service.

Great topic Sil. I'm also curious what others are listening to.
Currently listening to Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana.
Yesterday was Country, I live out west. Depends on what projects I am working and how much sleep I've had the night before.
Mostly 70's Rock, 90's Alternative and Christian music.
I don't remember the 80's  .

Wanted to throw this one out there (Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide).
You can read about it here -->> http://www.linuxinsider.com/rsstory/74933.html
The writer assumes that the reader have a familiarity with Windows Servers.
I've added this one to my Amazon wish list.
Happy reading.

I know you feel rejected and down but Sil is right.
This experience should motivate you. This is a great
community of professionals who not only give great advice but also help out their members.
I was laid-off a few years ago and could not find a job for almost a year.I was a little pickey at first but eventually settled for a Help Desk position. The 6 months in that position I was able to network, improve my skills, and continue my degree. I am now in a Sys Admin position looking for something in Security. 
My point is that after you get over the feeling of rejection I believe you will have the courage and motivation to drive on and this community will help you. 
Not sure where you are located but there are plenty of Security related positions in the DoD. Let me know how I can help out?

Thank you lynoharvey,
I think it’s great that you volunteer your time and services.
Today I applied for two entry level Security Analyst positions. The company is asking that CISSP cert is obtained within six months of hire.
Even though this is a small city the job market isn’t bad here.  I will probably put off a MSc. Hopefully I can get on with a company that will pay part of that.

Thank you all for the great advice.
I've been looking for entry level positions but they
are hard to come by in a small city. In the interim I will
take this advice to heart and start off small.
Thanks again.

Hi lynoharvey,
I agree with you. There is so much to learn. I am at a crossroad right now. I'm trying to get my foot in the door but do not know what direction to go in or where to start. App Security and Forensics are the most interesting to me. So I may continue on the EC-Counsil route and get the CHFI or get a Masters. Where did you go for your Masters?
The advice Sil offers at his site is great. Thanks Sil.

Not so much which is why I have been looking around. I work for a government contractor that is big on security. Great right? However, the positions are very limited/separation of duties. I also live in a small town. Another down side.
There are some security positions but nothing at the level of pen testing. I know, I have to start somewhere.

My first post....ever.
First I want to say EHnet is a great resource. I love reading each post especially the advice given by so many.
Like mynamesgeneric I am seeking advice and possibly a mentor.
I recently graduated with a BAS in Computer Information Systems and have been in IT (Sys Admin) for 5 years. Before IT I was in the military 4 years and in telecom 8 years.
I have a few certs (CE|H, MCITP-SA, Sec+). I volunteer my IT services in my community,church, and neighbors. I have a passion for IT and learning but currently stuck
looking for my niche in the Security field. I would like to concentrate
on one thing and do it well.
Anyway, I am seeking a mentor in the network security or pen testing area.
Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.