This is the nuclear briefcase that will travel with Trump everywhere

(CNN) - As of January 20, Donald Trump will be accompanied at all times by a military assistant manager of carrying the nuclear "ball", which will allow the elected president to order a nuclear attack at any time.

Like his predecessors, whether in the White House, during a motorized caravan, on board the presidential plane or on a trip abroad, he will never be far from the assistant and his briefcase.

"You have to be ready all the time, anytime," said Pete Metzger, who was in charge of carrying the nuclear briefcase during Ronald Reagan's presidency. "The time is very short between alert and execution."

Less than 15 minutes

In an emergency, Trump, like other leaders before him, could take less than 15 minutes to be informed by his military advisers and make a decision on whether to launch a nuclear strike or not.

"Donald Trump will have the unlimited ability to start a nuclear war," said Joseph Cirincione, of the anti-nuclear organization, The Plowshares Fund. "He can launch a missile or several and nothing can prevent it, except a riot of the military".

Contrary to popular belief, the "nuclear ball" is not a button, but the equipment and documents needed to confirm Trump's orders and launch the attack.

The presidential emergency kit, as it is formally known, contains four elements, according to the former head of the military office of the White House, Bill Gulley, in his book Breaking Cover.

There is an address book with a menu with different attack options; A card with authentication codes so that the president can confirm his identity; A list of safe bunkers where the president can find shelter, and instructions for using the emergency transmission service.

On the day of the inauguration, the military assistant carrying the briefcase will arrive at the ceremony accompanying President Barack Obama and, after the ceremony, will go with Trump