A MQ-9 Reaper pilot assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron, tests the throttle during a pre-flight check at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 20, 2021. The MQ-9 reaper is capable of carrying munitions, following high value targets for days at a time, has an extended loiter time and can be piloted mostly by itself. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Helena Owens)