a night-time para trooper jump by the 82nd airborne division over the skies of nevada, practicing dropping into enemy territory. >> operation panther blade. >> reporter: at ft. bragg, north carolina, one of the largest-ever live fire exercises. both are part of the pentagon ensuring troops are ready if there is a war against north korea. for now president trump suggesting it is not likely. >> i think we're going to have a long period of peace. i hope we do. >> reporter: but defense secretary james mattis has made clear for months that being ready to fight just in case is job number one for the pentagon. >> this is the reality that faces our department of defense and our like-minded allies, and we must have militaries fit for their purpose. >> reporter: with a drawdown in iraq and syria, more troops at home can practice vital combat skills. >> readiness for war, readiness