Just to clear a few things up guys - I am a returning PPRuNer with fingers in many pies
My contacts tell me that only C130Ks are allowed into Iraq at the moment because the rest of the AT fleet (including the wonderful C130J) don't have a good enough DAS. Aren't these systems the same ones everyone was using over Afghanistan? Oops!
Heard that many Ks have overflown expected fatigue extensions and have problems with centre spar box sections which will result in them being retired unless rewinged.
Still best rumour is the upgrade of C130Ks with super H flight decks and an extension of service until 2020! (and the 30 year old role equipment still works for every sortie)