AKO Offline: Accessing Army Resources When Army Knowledge Online Is Down

Army Knowledge Online (AKO) was once the U.S. Army’s primary portal for email, file storage, and collaboration. With its discontinuation, many soldiers, civilians, and retirees now wonder how to access essential Army resources. This guide explains what “AKO Offline” means, why AKO was retired, and how to access the new systems that have replaced it. Whether you need to check your email, view personnel records, complete training, or manage your pay and benefits, this article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step resource to help you navigate the modern Army IT landscape.

What is AKO Offline?

A Brief History of AKO

Launched in the late 1990s, AKO quickly became the U.S. Army’s all-in-one portal, offering email, file sharing, directories, discussion boards, and more. Over time, its features expanded to serve over two million users, including active duty soldiers, reservists, and retirees. However, as technology advanced, the need for a modern, secure, and cost-effective solution became clear.

Why Was AKO Discontinued?

Several factors led to AKO’s retirement:

Outdated Technology: The interface and tools could no longer keep pace with modern requirements.
Security Concerns: AKO’s aging infrastructure was less secure compared to modern cloud-based solutions.
Cost and Redundancy: Maintaining a single system for all Army functions was expensive, especially when commercial alternatives were available.
Transition to Modern Platforms: The Army migrated email and collaboration functions to cloud-based systems, which offered better integration and enhanced security.

What Replaced AKO?

There isn’t a single replacement for AKO; rather, its functions were distributed across several platforms:

Army 365: The Army’s modern email and collaboration system built on Microsoft Office 365.
milSuite: A CAC-secured platform offering professional networking, discussion forums, and e-learning tools.
DoD Self-Service Logon & milConnect: For accessing benefits, personnel records, and service information.
Dedicated Portals: Systems for human resources (HRC), training (ALMS, ATRRS), and finance (MyPay) now exist as standalone sites.

The Role of “AKOffline”

You may have encountered websites like AKOffline, an unofficial link hub that replicates the AKO directory. While not an official Army system, these sites provide a convenient index of Army-related links, helping you navigate to the appropriate official portals.

How to Access Army Resources When AKO is Offline

Even though AKO is no longer available, almost all of its functionalities live on through modern systems. Below are detailed instructions on how to access key resources.

Using Army 365 for Email & Collaboration

Army 365 Overview:
Army 365 is the Army’s cloud-based solution built on Microsoft Office 365. It offers official email (typically in the @army.mil format), access to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other productivity tools.

How to Access Army 365 Webmail:

Prepare Your CAC:
Ensure your Common Access Card (CAC) is inserted into a reader connected to your computer. Use a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, or Edge in Internet Explorer mode) with the latest DoD certificates installed.
Visit the Army 365 Webmail Site:
Open your browser and go to:
https://webmail.apps.mil
Sign In with Your CAC:
Select “Sign in with CAC/PIV.” When prompted, choose the certificate designated for email and enter your PIN.
Access Your Inbox:
Once authenticated, you’ll see your Outlook Web Access interface with your inbox and folder structure.

Troubleshooting:
If you receive an error (such as a “500 Internal Server Error”), double-check that you’re using the correct URL and certificate. In some cases, legacy users may need to try the older mail.mil OWA link or contact IT support for provisioning issues.

Accessing Personnel and HR Resources

HRC Portal & iPERMS:
For personnel records, assignment information, and other HR functions:

Navigate to the HRC Portal:
Visit https://www.hrc.army.mil and locate the “Self-Service” or “Log in with CAC” option.
Log in via EAMS-A:
Use your CAC to authenticate on the EAMS-A login page.
Access iPERMS:
From the HRC dashboard, click the link to iPERMS. Here, you can view and download your official military documents (e.g., DD Form 214, evaluations, awards).
Additional HR Functions:
For record briefs (ORB/ERB), check the Army Career Tracker or related HRC systems.

milConnect & DS Logon for Veterans/Retirees:
Veterans and retirees can access their benefits and records via:

Visit milConnect:
Go to https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil and log in with your CAC or DS Logon credentials.
Manage Your Information:
Update your DEERS data, view service records, and access benefit information.

Accessing Training and Education Resources

Army Learning Management System (ALMS):
ALMS is the Army’s portal for online training.

Go to the ALMS Website:
Visit https://www.lms.army.mil or a related URL.
Sign in with CAC:
Use your CAC to log in. If issues arise, try using Internet Explorer mode.
Enroll in Courses:
Search for and enroll in required courses (e.g., Cyber Awareness, ethics training). Launch courses and complete them as directed.
Download Certificates:
Once completed, download or print your training certificates as proof of completion.

Other Training Platforms:
For courses managed by ATRRS or Army e-Learning (such as Skillport/Percipio), use the dedicated links provided by your unit or bookmark the official URLs. These systems often integrate with your Army 365 account and require CAC login.

Accessing Pay, Finance, and Benefits Tools

MyPay (DFAS):
To view your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or manage pay:

Visit MyPay:
Go to https://mypay.dfas.mil.
Log In:
Use your MyPay username and password or SmartCard login if supported.
Review Financial Information:
Access your LES, check tax statements, update direct deposit details, and manage allotments.

Additional Finance & Benefits Portals:

For retirement and benefits: Use Army Retirement Services and Soldier for Life portals.
For health and medical records: Use the Tricare Online Patient Portal (https://www.tricareonline.com) or MEDPROS (https://medpros.mods.army.mil).
For travel and logistics: Use the Defense Travel System (DTS) and other dedicated portals as needed.

Comparison of AKO and Its Alternatives

Below is a summary comparison to help you understand the differences between the legacy AKO and the new platforms:

Platform	Purpose/Features	Pros	Cons
Army Knowledge Online (AKO)(1998–2021)	Unified portal for email, files, directories, and forums.	One-stop access for millions of users with built-in community features.	Outdated technology, security vulnerabilities, and eventual shutdown.
Army 365 (Office 365 Cloud)	Modern email and collaboration platform built on Microsoft 365.	Integrated tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive), secure CAC authentication, and large mailboxes.	Requires CAC, learning curve for new tools, not a single portal for all functions.
AKOffline (Unofficial Link Hub)	Third-party directory listing Army-related websites formerly on AKO.	Convenient index of essential links; free to access without login.	Not an official Army system; links should be verified for accuracy.
milSuite (milSuite.mil)	Professional networking, discussion forums, and e-learning for DoD users.	Secure, community-driven, CAC-protected space for collaboration.	Focused on networking; not used for email or personal records.
Other Portals (HRC, milConnect, ALMS, etc.)	Specialized systems for personnel, training, finance, and benefits.	Purpose-built, with enhanced features and dedicated support.	Requires managing multiple logins and bookmarks; some systems may have overlapping functions.

This table illustrates that while AKO offered a single gateway, the new ecosystem divides functions among specialized platforms, each with its own strengths and challenges.

Step-by-Step Guide: Accessing Army Email and Resources

1. Accessing Army Email via Army 365

Prepare Your CAC:
Insert your CAC into a compatible reader and launch your browser.
Visit the Army 365 Webmail Site:
Go to https://webmail.apps.mil.
Sign In with CAC:
Click “Sign in with CAC/PIV,” select your email certificate, and enter your PIN.
Access Your Inbox:
Your Outlook Web Access interface will open, displaying your Army 365 mailbox.
Troubleshoot:
If issues arise (e.g., error messages), verify you’re using the correct URL and try an alternative link or browser mode.

2. Retrieving Personnel Records via HRC and iPERMS

Go to the HRC Portal:
Visit https://www.hrc.army.mil and click on the “Log in with CAC” option.
Authenticate:
Log in using your CAC via the EAMS-A system.
Access iPERMS:
From the dashboard, click the link for iPERMS to view your official military documents.
Review and Save Documents:
Navigate through your personnel records and download any important files for future reference.

3. Accessing Training through ALMS

Navigate to ALMS:
Visit https://www.lms.army.mil (or your unit’s designated link).
Sign in with CAC:
Authenticate with your CAC and PIN.
Enroll in Courses:
Search for and enroll in required courses.
Launch and Complete Training:
Follow on-screen instructions to complete the training, and download certificates upon completion.

4. Checking Pay and Benefits via MyPay and milConnect

Visit MyPay:
Access https://mypay.dfas.mil to view your LES and manage financial information.
Log In:
Use your MyPay credentials or SmartCard login.
Review Pay Information:
Check your leave, earnings, and tax statements.
Access milConnect:
For benefits and records, visit https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil and log in with your CAC or DS Logon.
Manage Your Data:
Update personal information, review benefits, and download essential documents.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with clear instructions, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Login Errors or Inaccessible Sites:
- Confirm you’re using the correct URL.
- Check your network connection; some sites require VPN or government network access.
- Clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
CAC Authentication Problems:
- Ensure your CAC reader is working and your DoD certificates are installed.
- Use the correct certificate (authentication vs. email).
- Update your CAC if the certificate has expired.
Server Errors (e.g., “500 Internal Server Error”):
- This may indicate a provisioning issue.
- Try an alternative link or contact your unit’s IT support for assistance.
Access Denied Messages:
- Verify that you have the proper permissions for the site.
- Some systems restrict access by role or unit; contact your administrator if you believe you should have access.
Browser or Certificate Warnings:
- Install the latest DoD root certificates to ensure your browser trusts Army sites.
- Use a recommended browser like Chrome or Edge (with Internet Explorer mode if necessary).

If problems persist, contact the Army Enterprise Service Desk at 1-866-335-ARMY for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I still use AKO after 2021?
No. AKO was officially retired in mid-2021. All functions have been migrated to new systems such as Army 365, HRC portals, and milConnect.

How do veterans or retirees access their records?
Veterans and retirees should use DS Logon and milConnect to access records and benefits. The DS Logon provides secure access to DoD and VA services.

What should I do if my old AKO credentials don’t work?
AKO credentials are no longer valid. For current services, use your CAC for active duty or DS Logon for veterans and retirees.

Are there any security concerns with the new systems?
The modern platforms (Army 365, HRC, milConnect) are designed with robust security measures, including CAC authentication and continuous monitoring. However, always ensure you use official URLs and maintain good cybersecurity practices.

Do I need to register for Army 365?
For most users, the transition to Army 365 was handled centrally. Your account should be active once you log in with your CAC. If you experience issues, contact your unit’s IT support.

What happened to my data on AKO?
Data stored on AKO was either migrated or made available for download before the shutdown. If you did not back up personal files, they may no longer be accessible. Always ensure you keep copies of important documents.

Final Recommendations and Best Practices

Bookmark Essential Portals:
Create a dedicated folder in your browser for Army 365, HRC, ALMS, milConnect, MyPay, and other key sites. This ensures quick access and reduces reliance on outdated links.
Keep Your CAC Ready:
Your CAC is now your primary key to accessing all Army resources. Always have it with you, and ensure your device is properly configured with the necessary certificates.
Stay Informed:
The Army’s IT environment continues to evolve. Regularly check for official updates and IT memos regarding changes to portals, login procedures, or security measures.
Use Official Training Materials:
Leverage available user guides and help resources for Army 365, HRC, ALMS, and other systems. These materials can help you quickly adapt to new processes.
Practice Good Cyber Hygiene:
Always use secure networks, update antivirus software, and avoid accessing sensitive information on public devices. Confirm that websites are official by checking for “.mil” or “.gov” in the URL.
Have Backup Plans:
In case one system is down, know the alternative method to access your email, records, or training. Maintain offline copies of critical contacts and documents.
Embrace the New Tools:
The transition from AKO to modern platforms is an opportunity to use more powerful and integrated tools. Take time to learn features in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and milSuite, which can greatly enhance your productivity and collaboration.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of Army Knowledge Online marks the end of an era but also ushers in a new, more secure, and feature-rich environment for Army personnel. By embracing Army 365, dedicated HR and training portals, and using resources like milConnect and AKOffline as guides, you can continue to access all the essential services you need—email, personnel records, training, finance, and more.

This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions to navigate the new Army IT landscape confidently. With proper preparation, the right tools, and adherence to best practices, you can transition smoothly and take full advantage of the modern systems that have replaced AKO.

Stay connected, keep your CAC and credentials secure, and make use of the official support channels whenever necessary. Though AKO is now offline, the Army’s mission-critical resources remain accessible through these enhanced, secure platforms.

By following the guidance above, you will have all the information needed to work effectively in the post-AKO era. Thank you for your service, and stay safe online.