Nuclear football facts for kids

The nuclear football is the name given to a black briefcase which is carried along with the President of the United States at all times. Inside the briefcase are instruction manuals, a radio transmitter and authentication codes for the Emergency Broadcast System. The President can use the briefcase in case of emergency, to order the use of nuclear weapons. The briefcase is carried by a military aide for the President.

Images for kids

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  1977 Model-reconstruction of the briefcase used by the president of the United States to authorize a nuclear attack while away from fixed command centers.

See also

In Spanish: Balón nuclear para niños