AZFlyer:

USMCFLYER is correct: the low-levels in Iraq were underneath the Tanker-Track (the tankers were 20 miles or so north). We would exit the low-level and trade speed for altitude and go get more go-juice.

The Hi-alt runs were Functional Check Flight (FCF) profiles; call it a post-maintenance test-flight. We never got more than 60 miles from home-base on those, and at 48-52,000 ft and Mach 1.7-1.8, you can glide a long way!