Is it possible to authenticate domain users while off the network?

I'm sure this is not an original question but I am new to the forum so I hope you can bear with me.

I'm looking for a way to authenticate/cache credentials for users currently outside the network. New users are not really a problem as I already have a temp password and create their accounts, but existing users in the field who need to cache their credentials while not on the network, there is another problem.

My original thought was to create a generic account with a VPN connection to an authentication server, then fast user switch to the login screen but Mavericks is not reporting any network connections available.

Has anyone else successfully done this or can they provide any tips?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.