sentences:  While the USAF has taken the lead to field "gateways" that can handle both connecting dissimilar links and relaying data over satellite back and forth to connect command and control to the tactical edge, the platform that carries the gateway is more often than not dedicated to another mission (like air refueling) that consumes limited resources and sub-optimizes some other critical theater activity.There are unfortunately bigger problems with linking aircraft together with data links.While ground attack aircraft are increasingly linked, they cannot interoperate with attack helicopters or ground forces with any service.