This page is intended to assist DoD CAC holders in accessing GAIN (Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network), sponsored by SAF/MG (Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, Management).
GAIN is the Department of the Air Force’s innovation knowledge management and collaboration platform for all Airmen and Guardians. It enables department leaders to solve problems and explore opportunities through direct engagement with frontline innovators from all ranks of the force.
To access GAIN, the following is required:
A DoD issued CAC (Common Access Card)
A computer connected to the Internet
Platform One account
2 Factor authentication configuration if not accessing GAIN from the NIPR network
To create a Platform One account, see the “Create a P1/GAIN Account” section below.
To set up 2 factor authentication, see the “2 factor authentication” section below.
CREATE A P1/GAIN ACCOUNT
GAIN uses Platform One for account creation and login. A DoD CAC/ECA is NOT required to create a new account unless the intent is to access IL4 (Impact Level 4) content, which GAIN supports.
Visit https://login.dso.mil/register
Complete the registration page by completing:
First name
Last name
Affiliation
Pay Grade
Unit
and, by defining a unique Username.
In addition:
For CAC/IL4 access, a .mil email address MUST be used and will need to be verified after completing this form.
LEAVE THE PASSWORD FIELDS BLANK until after account creation with a CAC. Additional steps to set-up 2FA may be required in which case a password will be required.
An email verification is a required step. In most cases, the email will appear within 1 minute, but it can take longer.
NOTE: Check the “junk folder.”
Click on the link to complete the P1 account setup and select SAVE when prompted.
The setup is complete.
Bookmark https://gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil
Upon the first time to the platform, there will be a profile form to fill out which is unique to the platform.
SETUP 2 FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
To access GAIN from a computer that is not on a DoD network and no CAC is connected, 2 factor authentication is required.
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2-factor verification, also known as multi-factor authentication, enhances security by making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your account. It requires two forms of identification: your password and a secondary contact method (such as security information). Even if someone obtains your password, they won't be able to sign in without access to the secondary contact method. This is why it's crucial to use unique passwords for each of your accounts.
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Enabling two-factor authentication will allow you to log in to GAIN from any device without a CAC and not connected to a VPN. This includes logging in via your phone, iPad, or any other internet-connected device.
Choose and install an Authenticator App on your phone, such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
Log in to Platform One at https://login.dso.mil on a CAC enabled computer.
Click on the Authenticator menu located at the top right corner of the window. You will see a window as displayed here.
On your phone authenticator app, click on the icon to add an account
Note: For MS and Google Authenticators, there is an icon in the bottom right of the app window (“+” on MS and a circle icon on Google)
a) Select “Scan a QR code”, then scan the QR code displayed on the Platform One window. This will setup the account on your mobile app, and provide a code.
b) Enter the code displayed on your app on the Platform 1 window - “One-time code” and enter a device name ie: mobile phone, iphone etc.
SET UP PASSWORD- In the Platform 1 window, select the “Password” menu option. Enter a new password, then enter again to verify in the space provided, then click “Save”.
You are ready to log into GAIN on your device ie: Personal computer, mobile phone, tablet.
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Send an email to the Platform 1 help desk - help@dsop.io
Request a password reset on your account. You will receive an email with a link to establish a new password.