The Fido XT Explosives Detector is a handheld device that is capable of sniffing out explosives or residuals in vehicles. The device, developed by ICx Technologies, can take air samples, analyze a swab from an individual’s clothing, or oils from a suspect’s hands to determine if explosives are present.

Eric Raduenz, the head of the regional chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive equipment and training team for Marine Corps Installations East, said the devices would be used at base gates to intercept any potential threats.

 

For instance, if a low-riding van approaches a gate without proper identification, security personnel can use Fido to scan for any explosives and get an instant report, he said.

“It could stop something small from turning into something really big,” said Lance Corporal Joseph Pall, a Military Policeman at Camp Lejeune who has trained with the device.

The technology used in Fido stems from a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) project that sought to “mimic the capabilities of a dog,” specifically when it came to sniffing out landmines, Raduenz said.

Compared to other similar detection devices, Raduenz said Fido is superior as it is “many times more” sensitive.

“It’s very difficult to get a false positive on this,” he added.

Fido can even out-perform dogs. In its detection capabilities it is “comparable to the dogs in side-by-side tests,” but the devices never get tired, Raduenz said.

“At Camp Lejeune … [it’s] 97 degrees, with humidity. It’s very hot,” he said. “Working dogs can get overheated.”

The device also emits no radiation making it safer to use.

Marines at Camp Lejeune are currently training with the devices and they are expected to be deployed this month. The base has purchased five devices, which cost roughly $21,000 each.

Fido is already in use at other Marine Corps bases on the East Coast including Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia and Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan.