According to one embodiment, a control station having a station processing system, a control system, a data link computing unit, a second data link and a back-up VSM (a second vehicle computing unit) is operable to communicate via an RF link with an unmanned vehicle having a first data link, a vehicle processing system, a first vehicle computing unit and a route control system. The control station being operable to communicate with the unmanned vehicle using a first protocol for messaging under normal operating conditions as well as through the use of a second protocol for messaging, initiated via the second vehicle computing unit, when either the vehicle processing system is inoperable, the vehicle computing unit is inoperable or when the second vehicle computing unit in the control station is directed to use the second protocol for messaging.