In windows I am able to do this by logging in as a local user, connecting to VPN, doing the initial domain connection (which includes creating a new user which is my domain account), then leaving that user logged in I "switch user" to the user I setup just prior and it is able to cache my login token from the VPN connected on the local user. I can then logout/login with my domain user without the local user being logged in.
I can connect to the domain in System Preferences->Accounts->Network Account Server: Join, and it says i'm connected, but it looks like I still have to go into the Accounts to connect each time..
How can I do this in OSX 10.6?