Help figuring out what I need to learn. (LONG)

[semaj_llewdalg]

I have just started learning the basics of HTML, and I find myself really having fun. I work in law enforcement now, and I've been trying to decide what I want to do with my life. I got out of the Marines about two years ago, and I have all of the G.I. Bill still to spend on school.
I made a little website completely without help, and I wrote all the HTML and did the little banners and stuff on it. (I know it is kinda dumb looking, but I'm learning...) Please check it out here, but be nice!! (http://www.angelfire.com/comics/jgladwell)
I would really like to work in a field where I am doing stuff like this, making websites, making the banners, and flash presentations (I am working on learning that now...) I need to know how many of you guys and girls here are web programmers/developers, and what I need to look at in terms of education. How long is the training? Is a community college worth looking at or should I go to a bigger state college? I really want to diversify my training, but I want to know what I absolutely have to have in order to get started in this field. I thank everyone for the help.

[avyworld]

Before I say anything else I want to say this: I am not giving you the idea that going to college is a waste. Now then...
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Depending on what you want to do is how long it will take you to learn. For instance, you can learn XML in a day, but a language like C++, Java, or JavaScript can take years to learn in full. You can learn off the Web or through books, and we'll be like you professors helping to nudge you in the right direction ;).

I haven't gotten the chance to go to college. In fact, I'm still finishing my last grade in elementary school. But I assure you that even though I know lots of what I plan on doing for my list I still want to go to college (preferrably MIT :)).

Hope that helps!

Happy coding! :)

[BigZ]

avy is right...
going to colledge isn't a wast. but it is not a neccesity for being a web master, designer, or technician. But is does help witth many different aspects of web design (i.e. speling :D ).
I am not finished with even highschool, yet I am a webmaster. I think this is true of many people.
But dont give up colij :D because you want to go into web!

[marion]

My experience is that people don't want to hire me because I don't have a college diploma. Which I intend to rectify. You're best bet is to go after a Computer Science degree. Once you're in the program you can go any direction you want.

I know people that have graduated with jobs starting the day after making 35K or higher to start.

(And as far as the spelling, who needs to spell when you've got a spellchecker.)