Well, I can't say about the market in the US, but in Canada, IT is a booming thing.

I'm an LCIS technician in the Canadian Forces (LCIS = Land Communications & Informations Systems). I deal with everything from routers, switches, and protocol issues on a computer network, to telephony systems, to satellite communications equipment. I'll usually get a couple offers a month from civilian companies, because they're looking for competent IT guys who have experience.

I'm not planning to leave the military for one of those jobs anytime soon though; the health and travel benefits are a definite bonus in the army! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Back onto subject, everything is utilizing IT technology nowadays, so the demand for specialists who can set up, maintain, and resolve issues is getting larger and larger. IF you're serious about IT, you should consider also getting your MCSE qualifications. These are the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer exams.
They are expensive to take, and require regular recertifications; but the benefits are that they make you more desirable as an employable asset, and if they are required under the job description you're filling, they are tax deductible as a job expense (At least under Canadian Tax Law, you'd have to verify for yourself if American Tax Law allows this as well.) Fortunate for me, the military pays for me to do the exams and get the certifications redone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'd start by looking at available courses. I wouldn't bother with online, because they'll give you the "book smarts", but you won't get any hands on interaction. Look at courses that do class time, but also some hands on interactive lab time. I find the lab time to be critical for properly learning about the IT field; get your hands on the equipment, play with it, learn first hand about the capabilities of the gear. There's nothing better than learning this way, because the knowledge seems to become more concrete in your mind, IMHO. These might not have as fancy a diploma, but you'll come out farther ahead knowledge and experience wise.