well, if you had read the above link or done some checking on the web, you would have found that the project is not a hoax and is now under the auspices of the United Nations; the rats have a better sense of smell than dogs and they are not neemed "expendable" because unlike dogs they are too light to set off the mines.

Ah ye of little faith! Some small light in this dark and dangerous world and you dismiss it....so sad.....

Guess its hard to get repect when you don't have a fluffy tail, are low tech and African.