If you are just starting out, i would start with the basic ones.. A+, and maybe some MS ones and CCNA.
if your some kind of prodigy child, then go for the CISSP, and the CCIE. expect to pay about 2 to 5k for the CCIE alone for the exam and lab. with just a CCIE, your salary should be well over 100K.
you can pass the CISSP exam right away, but you will need actual documented work experience in the IT field for atleast 5 years, then you will need another CISSP to sponsor you. If you plan on ever doing any DOD work, this cert will be your golden ticket. a Sec+ will suffice to get your foot in the door, but you will be limited until you get your CISSP.
If you arre already employed, check with your employer, they might have a plan on paying or reimbursing the exam costs.
while i was deployed to Kuwait, the company contracted to care for the network offers $125 to $225k for net admins.
there is decent $$$ to be made overseas... If i was single.. i would be all over it.