Watch: Defense Secretary Ash Carter brings the funny on ‘Late Night’

Those who’ve seen Carter talk to reporters and meet with world leaders know his command of policy. But in a pre-taped portion of the show, Meyers and Carter made prank calls to the president, checked out Carter’s rather interesting official portrait and even got a glimpse into the Pentagon’s mysterious “sixth side.”

Later before the live audience, Carter said he wanted to show Meyers’ viewers the value of a career in military service.

“What makes our military great is people and so I’m hoping somebody out there will watch and will realize that military service involves all the things people say, sacrifice, sometimes danger and all that,” Carter said. “But there’s a tremendous satisfaction also with being part of something bigger than yourself.”