Welcome and good luck on your chosen path.

For starters, try the pinned threads at the top of the Network Pen Testing Board.

Let me know what you think,
Don

Hi Trebin,

Welcome and I am sure if you have any question people on here be only to happy to try and help.

As Don said look at the threads at the top to start off. There are also many good resources on this site.

You may want to take a look at this link shows how to set up a virtual lab http://www.securityaegis.com/pentest-lab-web-application-edition/

Try and get involved if you are in the USA try go to defcon or see if there are any local 2600 meeting near you. if you are in the Uk try http://ypisg.bcs.org/ just get involved with security this will let you meet new people and make some good contacts.

I have a website too for anyone who is new to penetration testing that may help with lots linkshttp://www.jamierougive.co.uk/index.html

If you dont have any certification think about where to start depending on your current expierence and where you are based. CISSP,ECH,CREST,Security +,OSWP,OSPC,eLearnSecurity,hackingdojo there are lots more too depending on the job you want in security.

I hope this helps

Twitter is a good resource as well and if you want something that may not cost you like a trip to vegas and defcon, look for a Bsides event near you! 

http://www.securitybsides.com

Also you can follow me on twitter @dewser and look through my list and follow some of those folks.

Also subscribe to some podcasts.

Pauldotcom
ISD Podcast
Exotic Liability
Network Security Podcast

 That should get you started!  Also you are in the Federal Government, so you might want to ask around.  The NSA is always looking for talent and if you can get clearance then that will make things easier for you.

Don't forget to check out the InterN0T forums as well, there's a lot of goodies there 


Awesome