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Searching for hidden chambers isn't just a theme for D&D players and RPG enthusiasts, its an everyday part of a soldier's job after invading enemy territory. In this article, I will explore one of the most urgent technological needs for the modern day militaries of the world.

U.S. commandos are in constant search of hidden compartments. In a  successful mission several objectives may need to be reached from capturing fugitives to seizing documents and weapons. 

>On a house raid in hostile territory, there isn't a lot of time to go tapping on walls to find a stash.

>That's why U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) wants a detector that can quickly spot where the loot is hidden. The goal of the research project is to develop a handheld device that can detect hidden chambers in an average-sized room (168 square feet) and at a range of about 6.5 feet during sensitive site exploitation, or SSE, operations.

So it seems SOCOM is looking for a detector that can find hidden chambers quickly reducing the risk for soldiers of ambush in quick operations. 

>Sensors that detect the presence of humans, such as infrared, acoustic or radar, already exist or are being developed. But current technology is either too bulky or too complicated, says SOCOM. But developing a handy device poses technical challenges. SOCOM emphasizes that the sensor must be able to distinguish between normal spaces in a wall, such as the gap between studs, and hidden compartments. It also must be able to function with a variety of building materials, including brick, cinder block, concrete, wood and sheet rock. “The system should be able to distinguish suspicious hidden cinder block openings vs normal cinder block voids in normal wall construction,” SOCOM adds.

Clearly these specifications are quite complex and the development of this device will require the application of the most modern technology available to date. 

This is a very interesting topic and one that requires further exploration in future articles. Do you think engineers will be up to the task of creating such a device and if so, how much do you think this will set the taxpayer back per unit?

Please leave thoughts and feedback below. 

Thanks for reading!

Source: 

U.S. Commandos Want This Technology for Special Forces Raids - National Interest