Introduction to Tactical Data Links (TDL) Training

The 2-day Introduction to Tactical Data Links (TDL) Training course gives the student an overview of many of the current Tactical Data Links (TDLs) in use today. These include Link 1, Link 11, Multifunctional Distribution System (MIDS) Link 16, Link 22 and Variable Message Format (VMF) as well as many other TDL and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) links.  The second day gives an insight into planned improvements to existing TDLs, plus a look at future developments and projects.  A copy of our full ‘Introduction to TDLs’ manual accompanies the course.

Link 22 Training (Foundation)
Link 16 Training | Tactical Data Link Training
MIDS Link 16 Network Design and Management Training
MIDS Link 16 Advanced Network Design and Management Training

DAY 1

Lesson 1 – Introduction to TDLs

• How TDLs have developed and evolved
• How they contributed as a key enabler within Battlespace Management
• Description of the main TDL protocols and their importance
• Overview of TDL documentation and Functional Areas

Lesson 2 – Link 1

• Capability
• Message type
• Documents
• Operational use including Area of Operational Interest (AOI), Track Continuity Area (TCA), and filtering
• Introduction to OPTASK Link signal format

Lesson 3 – Link 11

• Purpose of Link 11, its capabilities and characteristics
• Insight into Link 11 users
• Explanation of Data Link Reference Point (DLRP) and System Coordinate Centre (SCC)
• Overview of Link 11 messages and their use
• Link 11A characteristics, system, functions, roles, and required operational parameters
• Link 11B characteristics, system, functions, roles, and required operational parameters

Lesson 4 – MIDS Link 16

• Basic overview of MIDS Link 16 functions, roles, messages, operational use, and required parameters to establish and maintain a MIDS Link 16 network
• Focus on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Clearance, frequency use, net use, and relay
• Overview of MIDS terminals and their safety features

Lesson 5 – Link 22

• Introduction and history of Link 22
• Basic overview of the Link 22 system, functions, roles, messages, operational use, and required parameters to establish and maintain a Link 22 network

Lesson 6 – Other TDLs and Systems

• Insight into other data links and software/systems that support TDLs
• Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), such as Satellite-J, Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS), Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), and 5th generation data links such as Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL), and Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)
• Common Data Link (CDL), Automatic Identification System (AIS), Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), and NATO Ship-Shore-Ship Buffer (SSSB)

Lesson 7 – Variable Message Format (VMF)

• History of VMF and its requirement
• Basic overview of VMF functions, roles, messages, documents, operational users, and main areas of use for VMF
• Insight into VMF Header, Messages, and Bearer

Lesson 8 – Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP)

• A basic introduction to JREAP, definitions, and history
• JREAP structure, functions, capabilities, and roles
• X-Series messages and basic overview of MIL-STD-3011 Appendices A, B, and C

Lesson 9 – Current and Future Projects

• Overview of the benefits and capabilities of MIDS improvements within Block 2 Upgrade (BU2) and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) with a particular focus on MIDS-JTRS
• Insight into planned MIDS enhancements such as Concurrent Multi-Netting (CMN) and Concurrent Contention Receive (CCR)
• Discussion and investigation into new areas of development that could support data links: Battlefield Awareness and Targeting System – Dismounted (BATS-D) Handheld Link 16 Radio, Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL), Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), Cursor on Target (CoT), Universal Core, Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), and Talon HATE

DAY 2

Lesson 10 – Introduction to Daronmont Link Training Suite (DLTS) 11

• A detailed guided practical introduction to DLTS 11 software
• Instructor guided setup of a simulated Link 11 network in accordance with defined Link 11 parameters from example OPTASK Link Segment 5.1
• Practical session utilized to reinforce previous Link 11 learning outcomes

Lesson 11 – Introduction to Link 16

• A detailed guided practical introduction to DLTS 16 software
• Instructor guided setup of a simulated Link 16 network in accordance with defined Link 16 parameters from example OPTASK Link Segment 8.1
• Practical sessions utilized to reinforce previous MIDS learning outcomes

Lesson 12 – Introduction to Joint Range Extension (JRE)

• A detailed guided practical introduction to JRE software
• Instructor guided setup of a simulated JRE Transmission Control Protocol – Internet Protocol (TCP-IP) link in accordance with defined JRE parameters from the instructor

Lesson 13 – As Required

Period of time for either discussion or an opportunity for questions and answers

Introduction to Tactical Data Links (TDL) Training Course Wrap-Up