diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgdas_enkf_post.sh b/dev/scripts/exgdas_enkf_post.sh
index 99b53593cf..7dc00d1d23 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgdas_enkf_post.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgdas_enkf_post.sh
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ for imem in $(seq 1 "${NMEM_ENS}"); do
     MEMDIR=${memchar} YMD=${PDY} HH=${cyc} declare_from_tmpl -x \
         COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY:COM_ATMOS_HISTORY_TMPL
 
+    # TODO: remove deadlinks and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4405
     for fhr in $(seq "${FHMIN}" "${FHOUT}" "${FHMAX}"); do
         fhrchar=$(printf %03i "${fhr}")
         ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${PREFIX}sfc.f${fhrchar}.nc" "sfcf${fhrchar}_${memchar}"
@@ -82,6 +83,7 @@ fi
 
 for fhr in $(seq "${FHMIN}" "${FHOUT}" "${FHMAX}"); do
     fhrchar=$(printf %03i "${fhr}")
+    # TODO: remove deadlinks and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4405
     ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT}/${PREFIX}ensmean.sfc.f${fhrchar}.nc" "sfcf${fhrchar}.ensmean"
     ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT}/${PREFIX}ensmean.atm.f${fhrchar}.nc" "atmf${fhrchar}.ensmean"
     if [[ "${SMOOTH_ENKF}" == "YES" ]]; then
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_post_pnt.sh b/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_post_pnt.sh
index deea1f9512..7f5ebfd3c7 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_post_pnt.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_post_pnt.sh
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ while [[ ${fhr} -le ${FHMAX_WAV_PNT} ]]; do
     FH3=$(printf %03i "${fhr}")
     pfile="${COMIN_WAVE_HISTORY}/${WAV_MOD_TAG}.points.f${FH3}.nc"
     if [[ -f "${pfile}" ]]; then
-        ${NLN} "${pfile}" "./${ymdhms}.out_pnt.ww3.nc"
+        cpreq "${pfile}" "./${ymdhms}.out_pnt.ww3.nc"
     else
         export err=7
         err_exit "NO RAW POINT OUTPUT FILE ${ymdhms}.out_pnt.ww3.nc"
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_prdgen_gridded.sh b/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_prdgen_gridded.sh
index 22a6a506e0..31c0c57c67 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_prdgen_gridded.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgfs_wave_prdgen_gridded.sh
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ while [[ "${fhcnt}" -le "${FHMAX_WAV}" ]]; do
         #======================================================================
         GRIBIN="${RUN}.${cycle}.${grdID}.f${fhr}.clipped.grib2"
 
-        ${NLN} "${GRIBIN}" "gribfile.${grdID}.f${fhr}"
+        cpreq "${GRIBIN}" "gribfile.${grdID}.f${fhr}"
 
         # 1.d Input template files
         parmfile="${PARMgfs}/wave/grib2_${RUN}wave.${grdOut}.f${fhr}"
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_ecen.sh b/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_ecen.sh
index b20099bfe2..556addce04 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_ecen.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_ecen.sh
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ for FHR in $(seq "${FHMIN}" "${FHOUT}" "${FHMAX}"); do
         MEMDIR=${gmemchar} RUN=${GDUMP_ENS} YMD=${gPDY} HH=${gcyc} declare_from_tmpl -x \
             COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV:COM_ATMOS_HISTORY_TMPL
 
+        # TODO: remove deadlinks and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4405
         ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX_ENS}atm.f00${FHR}${ENKF_SUFFIX}.nc" "./atmges_${memchar}"
         if [[ "${DO_CALC_INCREMENT}" == "YES" ]]; then
             ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_MEM}/${APREFIX_ENS}analysis.atm.a00${FHR}.nc" "./atmanl_${memchar}"
@@ -166,9 +167,9 @@ for FHR in $(seq "${FHMIN}" "${FHOUT}" "${FHMAX}"); do
             err_exit "Failed to recenter the ensemble increments!"
         fi
 
-        # If available, link to ensemble mean guess.  Otherwise, compute ensemble mean guess
+        # If available, copy the ensemble mean guess.  Otherwise, compute ensemble mean guess
         if [[ -s "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX_ENS}ensmean.atm.f00${FHR}.nc" ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX_ENS}ensmean.atm.f00${FHR}.nc" "./atmges_ensmean"
+            cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX_ENS}ensmean.atm.f00${FHR}.nc" "./atmges_ensmean"
         else
             DATAPATH="./"
             ATMGESNAME="atmges"
@@ -212,12 +213,12 @@ for FHR in $(seq "${FHMIN}" "${FHOUT}" "${FHMAX}"); do
         ATMANL_GSI="${COMIN_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DET}/${APREFIX}analysis.atm.a00${FHR}.nc"
         ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES="${COMIN_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DET}/${APREFIX}ensres_analysis.atm.a00${FHR}.nc"
 
-        # if we already have a ensemble resolution GSI analysis then just link to it
+        # if we already have a ensemble resolution GSI analysis then just copy it
         if [[ -f ${ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES} ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES}" atmanl_gsi_ensres
+            cpreq "${ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES}" atmanl_gsi_ensres
         else
-            ${NLN} "${ATMANL_GSI}" atmanl_gsi
-            ${NLN} "${ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES}" atmanl_gsi_ensres
+            cpreq "${ATMANL_GSI}" atmanl_gsi
+            cpreq "${ATMANL_GSI_ENSRES}" atmanl_gsi_ensres
             SIGLEVEL="${SIGLEVEL:-"${FIXgfs}/am/global_hyblev.l${LEVS}.txt"}"
             ${NLN} "${CHGRESNC}" chgres.x
             chgresnml=chgres_nc_gauss.nml
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_update.sh b/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_update.sh
index 102c3fec96..32f39a9b34 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_update.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exglobal_enkf_update.sh
@@ -140,14 +140,14 @@ for imem in $(seq 1 "${NMEM_ENS}"); do
     mkdir -p "${COMOUT_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_MEM}"
 
     for FHR in ${nfhrs}; do
-        ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}atm.f00${FHR}${ENKF_SUFFIX}.nc" \
+        cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}atm.f00${FHR}${ENKF_SUFFIX}.nc" \
             "sfg_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_${memchar}"
         if [[ "${hofx_2m_sfcfile}" == ".true." ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}sfc.f00${FHR}${ENKF_SUFFIX}.nc" \
+            cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}sfc.f00${FHR}${ENKF_SUFFIX}.nc" \
                 "bfg_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_${memchar}"
         fi
         if [[ "${cnvw_option}" == ".true." ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
+            cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM_PREV}/${GPREFIX}sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
                 "sfgsfc_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_${memchar}"
         fi
 
@@ -168,15 +168,16 @@ done
 
 # Ensemble mean guess
 for FHR in ${nfhrs}; do
-    ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.atm.f00${FHR}.nc" \
+    cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.atm.f00${FHR}.nc" \
         "sfg_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_ensmean"
     if [[ "${cnvw_option}" == ".true." ]]; then
-        ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
+        cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
             "sfgsfc_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_ensmean"
     fi
     if [[ "${DO_GSISOILDA}" == "YES" ]]; then
-        ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
+        cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV}/${GPREFIX}ensmean.sfc.f00${FHR}.nc" \
             "bfg_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_ensmean"
+        # TODO: remove deadlinks and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4405
         ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_STAT}/${APREFIX}ensmean_increment.sfc.i00${FHR}.nc" \
             "sfcincr_${PDY}${cyc}_fhr0${FHR}_ensmean"
     fi
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gdas_ecmwf_meta_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gdas_ecmwf_meta_ver.sh
index fb6374f653..e1ddc3c575 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gdas_ecmwf_meta_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gdas_ecmwf_meta_ver.sh
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ device="nc | ecmwfver.meta"
 
 cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="gdas.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_loop.sh b/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_loop.sh
index 816b1bb438..eecc0ed9f0 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_loop.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_loop.sh
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ device="nc | gdasloop.meta"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
@@ -40,6 +40,8 @@ for ((fhr = 24; fhr <= 144; fhr += 24)); do
     for cycle in ${cycles}; do
         #  Test with GDAS in PROD
         YMD=${day} HH=${cyc} GRID=1p00 declare_from_tmpl "COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00_past:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL"
+        # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+        # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
         export COMIN="${RUN}.${day}${cycle}"
         if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
             ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00_past}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_na.sh b/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_na.sh
index f79b1f7589..61d043d345 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_na.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_na.sh
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ device="nc | gdas.meta"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gdas_ukmet_meta_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gdas_ukmet_meta_ver.sh
index 6ad8c4f43b..ab3f5c1d6e 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gdas_ukmet_meta_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gdas_ukmet_meta_ver.sh
@@ -22,8 +22,10 @@ device="nc | ukmetver_12.meta"
 cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 # SET CURRENT CYCLE AS THE VERIFICATION GRIDDED FILE.
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="gdas.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
+if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 vergrid="F-GDAS | ${PDY:2}/0600"
@@ -55,6 +57,7 @@ for area in ${areas}; do
         cyclenum=${stime:6}
 
         if [[ ! -L "ukmet.20${sdatenum}" ]]; then
+            # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
             ${NLN} "${COMINukmet}/ukmet.20${sdatenum}/gempak" "ukmet.20${sdatenum}"
         fi
         gdfile="ukmet.20${sdatenum}/ukmet_20${sdatenum}${cyclenum}${dgdattim}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ak.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ak.sh
index 1540e4beeb..4dda590b96 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ak.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ak.sh
@@ -16,10 +16,10 @@ device="nc | gfs.meta.ak"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
+if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_bwx.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_bwx.sh
index 3432548dea..c80abadb58 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_bwx.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_bwx.sh
@@ -17,10 +17,10 @@ device="nc | ${metaname}"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
+if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_comp.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_comp.sh
index 6870ddf404..f1ceef46fe 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_comp.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_comp.sh
@@ -28,14 +28,13 @@ for cycle in $(seq -f "%02g" -s ' ' 0 "${INTERVAL_GFS}" "${cyc}"); do
     YMD=${PDY} HH=${cycle} GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl gempak_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
     for file_in in "${gempak_dir}/gfs_1p00_${PDY}${cycle}f"*; do
         file_out="${COMIN}/$(basename "${file_in}")"
-        if [[ ! -L "${file_out}" ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${file_in}" "${file_out}"
-        fi
+        cpreq "${file_in}" "${file_out}"
     done
 done
 
 export HPCNAM="nam.${PDY}"
 if [[ ! -L ${HPCNAM} ]]; then
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     ${NLN} "${COMINnam}/nam.${PDY}/gempak" "${HPCNAM}"
 fi
 
@@ -99,6 +98,8 @@ for gareas in US NP; do
 
         # Create symlink in DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
         HPCGFS="${RUN}.${init_time}"
+        # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+        # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
         if [[ ! -L ${HPCGFS} ]]; then
             YMD="${init_PDY}" HH="${init_cyc}" GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl source_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
             ${NLN} "${source_dir}" "${HPCGFS}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_crb.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_crb.sh
index b3673d8bc7..afd3532ae9 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_crb.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_crb.sh
@@ -19,10 +19,10 @@ device="nc | ${metaname}"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
+if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 
@@ -255,6 +255,7 @@ if [[ ${cyc} == 00 ]]; then
     HPCECMWF_m1=ecmwf.${PDY}
     export HPCUKMET=ukmet.${PDYm1}
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF}" ]]; then
+        # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
         ${NLN} "${COMINecmwf}/ecmwf.${PDY}/gempak" "${HPCECMWF}"
     fi
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF_m1}" ]]; then
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hi.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hi.sh
index 4d936834ea..3461db4a9b 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hi.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hi.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ device="nc | mrfhi.meta"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hur.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hur.sh
index 11f2549332..b2bef3d33c 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hur.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_hur.sh
@@ -19,14 +19,13 @@ device="nc | ${metaname}"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 
-#
 # DEFINE YESTERDAY
 PDYm1=$(date --utc +%Y%m%d -d "${PDY} 00 - 24 hours")
 #
@@ -309,6 +308,7 @@ if [[ ${cyc} -eq 00 ]]; then
     HPCECMWF_m1=ecmwf.${PDY}
     export HPCUKMET=ukmet.${PDYm1}
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF}" ]]; then
+        # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
         ${NLN} "${COMINecmwf}/ecmwf.${PDY}/gempak" "${HPCECMWF}"
     fi
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF_m1}" ]]; then
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_atl.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_atl.sh
index 952768a28a..14af5cc29e 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_atl.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_atl.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_comp.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_comp.sh
index 406825d938..4471e97d47 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_comp.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_comp.sh
@@ -19,9 +19,7 @@ for cycle in $(seq -f "%02g" -s ' ' 0 "${INTERVAL_GFS}" "${cyc}"); do
     YMD=${PDY} HH=${cycle} GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl gempak_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
     for file_in in "${gempak_dir}/gfs_1p00_${PDY}${cycle}f"*; do
         file_out="${COMIN}/$(basename "${file_in}")"
-        if [[ ! -L "${file_out}" ]]; then
-            ${NLN} "${file_in}" "${file_out}"
-        fi
+        cpreq "${file_in}" "${file_out}"
     done
 done
 
@@ -31,6 +29,7 @@ done
 #
 export HPCNAM="nam.${PDY}"
 if [[ ! -L ${HPCNAM} ]]; then
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     ${NLN} "${COMINnam}/nam.${PDY}/gempak" "${HPCNAM}"
 fi
 
@@ -75,6 +74,8 @@ for garea in NAtl NPac; do
         fi
 
         # Create symlink in DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
+        # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+        # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
         HPCGFS="${RUN}.${init_time}"
         if [[ ! -L ${HPCGFS} ]]; then
             YMD="${init_PDY}" HH="${init_cyc}" GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl source_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
@@ -226,6 +227,7 @@ EOF
 
         export HPCUKMET="ukmet.${ukmet_PDY}"
         if [[ ! -L "${HPCUKMET}" ]]; then
+            # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
             ${NLN} "${COMINukmet}/ukmet.${ukmet_PDY}/gempak" "${HPCUKMET}"
         fi
         grid2="F-UKMETHPC | ${ukmet_PDY:2}/${ukmet_date}"
@@ -315,6 +317,7 @@ EOF
 
         HPCECMWF=ecmwf.${PDY}
         if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF}" ]]; then
+            # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
             ${NLN} "${COMINecmwf}/ecmwf.${ecmwf_PDY}/gempak" "${HPCECMWF}"
         fi
         grid2="${HPCECMWF}/ecmwf_glob_${ecmwf_date}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_pac.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_pac.sh
index 5a9fcd9c35..fb63060745 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_pac.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_pac.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ql.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ql.sh
index dbfa528f58..737edb8441 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ql.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ql.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_skewt.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_skewt.sh
index b2a023cde1..c39854f03f 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_skewt.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_skewt.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ver.sh
index 534553b3d5..849475746d 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_mar_ver.sh
@@ -13,10 +13,10 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
+if [[ ! -L "${COMIN}" ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
 
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_nhsh.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_nhsh.sh
index 5a96eda93f..9e6cddaaa7 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_nhsh.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_nhsh.sh
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_na_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_na_ver.sh
index 956c5d7227..dbe3e0baf9 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_na_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_na_ver.sh
@@ -16,9 +16,7 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 # TODO: Replace this
 #
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
-if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
-    ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
-fi
+cpreq -R "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 
 mdl=gfs
 MDL="GFS"
@@ -61,6 +59,8 @@ for lookback in "${lookbacks[@]}"; do
     dgdattim="f$(printf "%03g" "${lookback}")"
 
     # Create symlink in DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
+    # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     HPCGFS="${RUN}.${init_time}"
     if [[ ! -L ${HPCGFS} ]]; then
         YMD=${init_PDY} HH=${init_cyc} GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl source_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_np_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_np_ver.sh
index da95b6a0ba..fbd3f8ce65 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_np_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_opc_np_ver.sh
@@ -13,13 +13,12 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
-
 mdl=gfs
 MDL="GFS"
 metaname="gfsver_mpc_np_${cyc}.meta"
@@ -61,6 +60,8 @@ for lookback in "${lookbacks[@]}"; do
     dgdattim="f$(printf "%03g" "${lookback}")"
 
     # Create symlink in DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
+    # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     HPCGFS="${RUN}.${init_time}"
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCGFS}" ]]; then
         YMD=${init_PDY} HH=${init_cyc} GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl source_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_precip.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_precip.sh
index 051d296dd4..3cb39251a9 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_precip.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_precip.sh
@@ -13,13 +13,12 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
 fi
-
 #
 # Set model and metafile naming conventions
 #
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_qpf.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_qpf.sh
index 39f2a6221d..3b29621269 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_qpf.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_qpf.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa.sh
index 024ad6aea5..7725727519 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa2.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa2.sh
index 10aea99336..8332b53561 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa2.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_sa2.sh
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export HPCGFS="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${HPCGFS} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${HPCGFS}"
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ PDYm1="$(date --utc +%Y%m%d -d "${PDY} ${cyc} - 24 hours")"
 HPCECMWF="ecmwf.${PDYm1}"
 HPCUKMET="ukmet.${PDY}"
 if [[ ! -L "${HPCECMWF}" ]]; then
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     ${NLN} "${COMINecmwf}/ecmwf.${PDYm1}/gempak" "${HPCECMWF}"
 fi
 if [[ ! -L "${HPCUKMET}" ]]; then
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_trop.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_trop.sh
index 1763548fd9..f29d7fb0b9 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_trop.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_trop.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_us.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_us.sh
index 0c1ca87c9a..9cd2460120 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_us.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_us.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/datatype.tbl" datatype.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_usext.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_usext.sh
index f45ab7310b..dbba2f5142 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_usext.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_usext.sh
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ cpreq "${HOMEgfs}/gempak/fix/ak_sfstns.tbl" alaska.tbl
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
diff --git a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ver.sh b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ver.sh
index 7693bee68c..1209592f20 100755
--- a/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ver.sh
+++ b/gempak/ush/gfs_meta_ver.sh
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ device="nc | ${metaname}"
 
 #
 # Link data into DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
-# TODO: Replace this
-#
+# TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+# TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
 export COMIN="${RUN}.${PDY}${cyc}"
 if [[ ! -L ${COMIN} ]]; then
     ${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" "${COMIN}"
@@ -51,6 +51,8 @@ for lookback in "${lookbacks[@]}"; do
     dgdattim="f$(printf "%03g" "${lookback}")"
 
     # Create symlink in DATA to sidestep gempak path limits
+    # TODO: Add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
+    # TODO: remove live links and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4406
     HPCGFS="${RUN}.${init_time}"
     if [[ ! -L "${HPCGFS}" ]]; then
         YMD=${init_PDY} HH=${init_cyc} GRID="1p00" declare_from_tmpl source_dir:COM_ATMOS_GEMPAK_TMPL
diff --git a/ush/forecast_postdet.sh b/ush/forecast_postdet.sh
index aee9fe9bce..2d6a4cb378 100755
--- a/ush/forecast_postdet.sh
+++ b/ush/forecast_postdet.sh
@@ -296,6 +296,7 @@ EOF
         for fhr in ${FV3_OUTPUT_FH}; do
             FH3=$(printf %03i "${fhr}")
             FH2=$(printf %02i "${fhr}")
+            # TODO: remove deadlinks and refer https://github.com/NOAA-EMC/global-workflow/issues/4405
             ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.t${cyc}z.atm.f${FH3}.nc" "${DATAoutput}/FV3ATM_OUTPUT/atmf${FH3}.nc"
             ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.t${cyc}z.sfc.f${FH3}.nc" "${DATAoutput}/FV3ATM_OUTPUT/sfcf${FH3}.nc"
             ${NLN} "${COMOUT_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.t${cyc}z.log.f${FH3}.txt" "${DATAoutput}/FV3ATM_OUTPUT/log.atm.f${FH3}"
@@ -844,6 +845,7 @@ GOCART_rc() {
 
     # link directory containing GOCART input dataset, if provided
     if [[ -n "${AERO_INPUTS_DIR}" ]]; then
+        #TODO: add only necessary files and remove unneeded ones to minimize data volume
         ${NLN} "${AERO_INPUTS_DIR}" "${DATA}/ExtData"
         status=$?
         if [[ ${status} -ne 0 ]]; then
diff --git a/ush/getdump.sh b/ush/getdump.sh
index 55f4a9fc5a..670f1a5cb1 100755
--- a/ush/getdump.sh
+++ b/ush/getdump.sh
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ prefix="${RUN}.t${HH}z."
 cd "${SOURCE_DIR}" || exit 1
 if [[ -s "${prefix}updated.status.tm00.bufr_d" ]]; then
     for file in "${prefix}"*; do
-        ${NLN} "${SOURCE_DIR}/${file}" "${TARGET_DIR}/${file}"
+        cpreq "${SOURCE_DIR}/${file}" "${TARGET_DIR}/${file}"
     done
 else
     echo "***ERROR*** ${prefix}updated.status.tm00.bufr_d NOT FOUND in ${SOURCE_DIR}"
diff --git a/ush/gfs_bufr.sh b/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
index e1b880b9ea..b2dad96aeb 100755
--- a/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
+++ b/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
@@ -92,9 +92,9 @@ if [[ -z ${filename} ]]; then
 fi
 
 #------------------------------------------------------------------
-${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.atm.f${fhr}.${atmfm}" "sigf${fhr}"
-${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.sfc.f${fhr}.${atmfm}" "flxf${fhr}"
-${NLN} "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.sfc.f${fhr_p}.${atmfm}" "flxf${fhr_p}"
+cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.atm.f${fhr}.${atmfm}" "sigf${fhr}"
+cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.sfc.f${fhr}.${atmfm}" "flxf${fhr}"
+cpreq "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.sfc.f${fhr_p}.${atmfm}" "flxf${fhr_p}"
 
 #  define input BUFR table file.
 ${NLN} "${PARMgfs}/product/bufr_gfs_${CLASS}.tbl" fort.1