Secretary of Defense Ash Carter speaks with paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division as they prepare to jump over Sicily Drop Zone at 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’s visit included a question and answer session with Soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps and capabilities demonstrations from airborne and special operations forces. Carter 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)