The nuclear suitcase always follows the American president

The nuclear suitcase is a symbol of military power and responsibility for the US president. It is always beside the leader, whether the White House boss is in the country or abroad.

Nuclear suitcase nicknamed "The Football" . It is placed on planes, helicopters, cars and elevators next to the president. In the White House, the suitcase is stored in a secret location.

Inside the suitcase is the necessary code to launch strategic nuclear weapons into the list of pre-established targets.

How was the suitcase made?

America is the first country to own nuclear weapons and also the birthplace of the first nuclear suitcase.

In the context of the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy feared that extremists in the US leadership could use nuclear weapons to attack the Soviet Union without his approval. In addition, JFK also wants to be able to launch a strategic nuclear attack everywhere. Nuclear suitcase was born from that.

A "American Football" American soldier on board Air Force One on April 7, 2010.(Photo: Business Insider).

Meanwhile, the name "The Football" comes from "Dropkick", the code of a top secret nuclear war plan, according to former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. To launch Dropkick, need one of these "The Football" suitcases.

Soldiers selected to carry the president's crucial suitcase undergo training to be able to support the White and White House owner immediately in case a nuclear attack takes place.

What's inside?

What contained inside the nuclear suitcase was never published by the US government. However, it is thought that it contains satellite transmitters and documents, helping the US president to make a decision to use nuclear weapons for any purpose.

Inside the suitcase is said to have the necessary code to launch strategic nuclear weapons into the list of pre-established targets. Some sources said, the suitcase is made of super-strong titanium material, weighs 18kg, size 45x35x25cm. It is encrypted and always with the US president. Each sequence of code corresponds to one or a series of nuclear weapons aimed at predetermined targets.

To launch a nuclear attack, the US president must confirm his identity by using the code printed on the plastic card that the White House owner always carries. This card is nicknamed "The Biscuit".

Mr. Obama's suitcase is the most special

President Obama can update the nuclear weapons launch code on the White House's special website. Top US network security experts are responsible for preventing hackers from reaching the launch code chain. Meanwhile, Obama is forced to use the retina eye scanning to open this system.

The new White House system still ensures that the US President is the only person with access to the launch code. It works in tandem with the cyberwar and control system, helping President Obama have a powerful tool to ensure the safety of the United States at the risk of a nuclear war.

President Obama's nuclear suitcase has many differences.(Artwork: White House).

Although still in the shape of a suitcase, the inside device was replaced a lot. In addition, President Obama does not need to keep his plastic card with identification code but instead is a modern retinal scanning method .

The advanced technology of the US helps the suitcase to be connected to the Internet so that Mr. Obama can access the website containing the launch code everywhere in the world.