Installation of a tactical data link (TDL) provides comprehensive command and control (C2) and maximizes C-130 aircrew situational awareness with beyond line-of-sight/secure line-of-sight (BLOS/SLOS) capabilities. It provides critical real-time data to aircrews to participate in the network-centric battlespace. Gateways are crucial to allow the disparate data links used by various assets to communicate and provide a cohesive battlespace picture. Currently, the C-130s This upgraded communication and avionics suite must be equipped with modern data loading capabilities to include a digital mapping interface system, secure internet protocol, and Blue Force Tracker II (BFT2). BFT is a modernized joint tracking system that is compatible with Enhanced Position Location System/Situational Awareness Data Link and Link-16 TDLs, providing BLOS interactive data between aviation assets and C2. These capabilities enable aircrews to receive near real-time BFT data and text messaging from the battlefield. A TDL capability must be compatible with situational awareness cockpit display units and compatible with all existing TDL architectures. Without a TDL, the ANG C-130 aircraft do not have access to the C2 networks used during operations.