How is the nuclear suitcase transferred between American presidents?

With the victory in the election earlier this week, Mr. Donald Trump officially became the 45th President of the United States to replace Mr. Barrack Obama. This means that the nuclear suitcase that holds the right to activate more than 900 US nuclear warheads will change hands. So how will this famous suitcase transfer process take place?

According to CNN, during her election campaign, Hillary Clinton always reminded, reiterating that it is absolutely forbidden to allow someone like Mr. Trump to take control of the US nuclear arsenal. " Would we like the finger of someone like him to touch that button?" , Mrs. Clinton said. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump insisted he would only use that button as a last resort.

However, the truth is that there are no buttons. Instead, the US President will be given a card, often called the biscuit , containing the codes used to launch nuclear weapons. When the power transfer process takes place, the card will be handed back to the new president but the password on the card will be changed completely.

Picture 1 of How is the nuclear suitcase transferred between American presidents?
When the power transfer process takes place, the card will be handed back to the new president but the password on the card will be changed completely.

In addition, the new president will also be assigned a black nuclear suitcase , often called the "football", and will always be accompanied by a military advisor next to the president. Inside this suitcase contains the full range of equipment as well as the information needed to deploy a nuclear attack.

"You have to be available at any time," said Peter Metzger, who was chosen as one of five people who took turns holding the nuclear suitcase for three years under President Ronald Reagan. The reaction is very fast because the nuclear attack will be very fast. A nuclear warhead will only take 5 minutes to attack Washington or New York. "

Therefore, the military advisor who holds the nuclear suitcase will always be standing next to the President everywhere, whether it's in the White House, in an escort convoy or on a foreign trip. This person will also have to go with an elevator with the President, staying at the same hotel floor with him and also the security guards around. In addition, the Vice President of the United States will also be given a spare suitcase in case the US President cannot manage himself such as being kidnapped or assassinated.

According to Bill Gulley, the former director of the White House Military Office, the official name of the nuclear suitcase is given by the Pentagon as the President's Emergency Bag . In addition, Mr. Bill also said there are 4 things inside this nuclear suitcase.

First, there is a black book in the suitcase that lists the options that can be attacked. The second is a list of safe shelters for the President to take refuge in the event of a nuclear war. The third is the manual to use the emergency radio system. Finally, a card containing the code for the President to confirm his identity.

"The suitcase contains the necessary equipment and papers to help the President issue a decision quickly. The decision will be forwarded to the National Military Command Center to conduct a nuclear attack," he said. Metzger said.

Before being selected as a military advisor to hold a nuclear suitcase, Mr. Metzger underwent a rigorous examination by the Ministry of Defense, the CIA and the FBI. The test includes psychological, mental assessments and background checks.

However, the Presidents did not need to undergo a test but still maintained the ultimate power in initiating nuclear war. This has had to receive a lot of criticism over the years. That's not to mention the fact that the officers responsible for deploying nuclear weapons must always work in pairs, but the President does not.

Picture 2 of How is the nuclear suitcase transferred between American presidents?
The nuclear suitcase in the hands of a military advisor is preparing to board a flight with the President.

"Does the president always have the ultimate power to use US nuclear arsenal or not?" Said Kingson Reif, a member of the American Arms Control Association. The president's decision to use nuclear weapons was only halted when mutations occurred, meaning that many officers resisted his orders.

Being able to own a nuclear suitcase means that Donald Trump, the new US president, will have the right to deploy an attack with 900 nuclear warheads, with 10-20 times more bombs. Hiroshima atom (Japan). These 900 warheads can be attacked anywhere in the world and will be launched only minutes after the President's order.

However, according to Metzger, every US president will take over the nuclear suitcase in the most serious way possible."The result of the President's decision to strike nuclear can lead to extremely terrible consequences, it can change the surface of the Earth, change humanity," Mr. Metzger said, "I guess When you receive that task, you will try not to think it is important, but you will have to be prepared for any situation. "