Have you ever wondered why the president of the United States is followed wherever he goes by a man carrying a black, bulging briefcase? Well, the individual shadowing the commander in chief is a military aide, and he's clutching what's known as the nuclear football. This bag is officially known as the presidential emergency satchel, and it's only ever to be opened in the event of a nuclear strike on the United States. But what's the story behind this ominous piece of luggage, and how do we know what's inside of it?
Click through the following gallery and read about the strange case called the nuclear football.