This notice provides advance warning of AKO's intent to require National Guard users to use Common Access Card (CAC) login to access two specific AKO services.

Q: What AKO services will be restricted to a CAC session and when?

A: In the near future, AKO will require all National Guard members to log in with a CAC before performing two specific actions: sponsoring a guest account and changing your password. Guest account sponsorship and renewal will be restricted to  Army National Guard users who have logged in with a CAC starting 29 July, and password changes will be restricted similarly starting 26 August.

For Army National Guard users, this means that you will not be able to sponsor a new guest or renew an existing guest after 29 July if you have not logged in with your CAC; this also means that you will not be able to change your password after 26 August unless you have logged in with a CAC.

Q: Will AKO require me to log in with my CAC every time I want to access AKO?

A: No. AKO will only require you to log in with your CAC to change your password or to sponsor a guest account.

Q: How do I log in to AKO with a CAC?

A: To log in to AKO with a CAC, you must first register your CAC on your workstation, and register your CAC with AKO. For step-by-step instructions, please review the AKO CAC Registration & Troubleshooting Guide.

Q: What hardware and software do I need to register my CAC?

A: You will need a CAC reader and CAC middleware software to register your CAC. To obtain the hardware and software, please do not contact the AKO Help Desk. Instead, please contact your local network administrator, or see the CAC Resource Center for information on purchasing your own CAC reader. You will also be able to download the software directly from the CAC Resource Center in the near future. Please check the CAC Resource Center for updates.

Q: What do I do if I don't know the PIN that is associated with my CAC?

A: Do not call the AKO Help Desk; they cannot assist you. Instead, please contact your CAC issuing office or central processing/badge office to reset your PIN.

Q: What if my password expires over a weekend or when I am traveling, and I am unable to log in with a CAC to change it?

A: You will be able to click the "Password Problems" link on the splash page of AKO to reset your password without a CAC session. However, when you reset your password without a CAC session, it will expire in three days. At some point during those three days, you must log in with a CAC to reset your password in order to ensure that your password does not expire for the standard 150 days.

Q: Where do I go if I need more information?

A: AKO has created the CAC Resource Center in order to share frequently asked questions and answers, resources, and other information with the Army community. We highly recommend that you review the AKO CAC FAQ, also available on the CAC Resource Center page.

The AKO Team
AKO: Army Knowledge Online   

The preceding has been edited by the webmaster.