Defense Secretary takes pointed questions from Fort Bragg soldiers

Asked about the threat from the Islamic State, Carter said the United States is resisting sending American troops and allowing local fighters to take the lead.

"The trick is to have a victory that sticks," Carter said.

Carter observed airborne operations Friday morning and had a chance to review some of the military equipment utilized by the special operations command before meeting with soldiers. He spent the afternoon observing other training activities on post.

"It's a once-in-a-life time opportunity," said PFC Joseph Velez-Cuevas, as Carter shook hands and thanked each soldier personally. He handed each a souvenir coin. 

"To hear him talk was a blessing in itself. And now I've got a little bragging rights with this coin," Velez-Cuevas said.

Carter will be in Charlotte on Saturday to speak to the annual conference of the National Association of Counties.