Secretary of Defense Ash Carter watches as paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division perform an airborne operation over Fort Bragg, N.C., July 10. These paratroopers form the nucleus of America’s global response force, capable of responding to crises worldwide with little to no notice. Carter later praised the readiness of the servicemen and women stationed at Bragg, promising a bright future as the very tip of the spear in the nation's global strategic posture. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Crail, XVIII Airborne Corps /Released)