September 27, 2007: Leading the way once more, SOCOM is buying up to 700 long range thermal imaging devices. The hand held, six pound MilCAM Recon can spot vehicles, and identify them, at up to ten kilometers. This can be done despite smoke, dust or total darkness. The 14 inch long device looks like a high end video camera. It can use rechargeable lithium batteries (four hours per charge) or disposable NiMH batteries (2.5 hours). MilCAM Recon would be most useful for Special Forces recon missions, where a team of operators would be watching over a wide area for enemy activity. These units cost over $10,000 each.