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

  • AppGate installation 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 AppGate, see the “AppGate Set-up” 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.

AppGate Set-up

To access GAIN from a computer that is not on a DoD network, the installation and configuration of AppGate SDP is required. A CAC is still needed. Click the button below for further instructions.