Department of the Air Force

Get access to GAIN

GAIN is the Department of the Air Force’s innovation network for Airmen and Guardians. This guide shows you how to create a Platform One account, set up 2-factor authentication, and sign in.

Access GAIN First time? Start setup

Having trouble signing in? Jump to help

What you need

  • A DoD-issued CAC (Common Access Card)
  • An internet-connected computer
  • A Platform One account
  • 2-factor authentication — only if you’ll sign in without a CAC (for example, from a personal device)

Work through the steps in order. Skip anything you’ve already done.

Quick check

Do you already have a Platform One account?

Create a Platform One account

GAIN uses Platform One to sign in, so you’ll create a Platform One account first. You can register without a CAC — you only need a CAC for IL4 (Impact Level 4) content, which GAIN supports.

  1. Register on Platform One

    Go to login.dso.mil/register and fill out the form: first name, last name, affiliation, pay grade, unit, and a unique username.

    For CAC or IL4 access, use a .mil email address. You’ll verify it after you submit.

    Don’t set a password yet. You’ll set one later, during 2-factor setup, if you need it.

    Platform One account registration form with fields for name, affiliation, pay grade, unit, and username
    Platform One registration screen

  2. Verify your email

    Open the verification email and click the link, then select Save. It usually arrives within a minute — check your junk folder if it doesn’t.

    Platform One email verification screen prompting the user to confirm their email address
    Platform One verification email

  3. You’re set up

    Bookmark gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil. The first time you visit, you’ll fill out a short one-time profile.

Quick check

Will you sign in without a CAC — for example, from a personal computer or phone?

Set up 2-factor authentication

Set this up if you’ll sign in without a CAC — for example, from a personal computer or phone.

What is 2-factor authentication?

It adds a second check beyond your password, usually a code from an app on your phone. Even if someone learns your password, they can’t sign in without that second code.

What does this mean for your GAIN access?

Once it’s set up, you can sign in from any device — phone, tablet, or computer — without a CAC or VPN.

First, install an authenticator app on your phone. Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator both work.

  1. Log in to Platform One

    On a CAC-enabled computer, sign in at login.dso.mil.

  2. Open the Authenticator menu

    Click Authenticator at the top right of the window.

    Platform One window with the Authenticator menu highlighted at the top-right
    Authenticator setup in Platform One
    Close-up of the Platform One Authenticator menu options
    Where to find the Authenticator menu

  3. Add the account in your app

    In your authenticator app, add a new account — tap + in Microsoft Authenticator, or the circle icon in Google Authenticator. Choose “Scan a QR code” and scan the code on the Platform One screen. The app shows a one-time code; type it into Platform One and name the device (for example, “iPhone”).

  4. Set a password

    In Platform One, open the Password menu, enter and confirm a new password, and select Save.

Sign in to GAIN

You’re ready to sign in from your computer, phone, or tablet.

Access GAIN

Bookmark gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil for next time.

Troubleshooting & get help

“User is disabled” at login

If you see “User is disabled” when you sign in, email the Platform One help desk at . Ask them to reactivate your account and remove 2-factor authentication. Sign back in once they confirm.

Platform One login screen showing a ‘User is disabled’ error message
The “User is disabled” message at sign-in

Trouble setting a password?

Email and ask for a password reset. You’ll get a link to set a new one.

More Platform One help

See the Platform One contact page at p1.dso.mil/contact-us. On the AF network, you can also reach James Piazza or David Autio.