At 8:00 am sharp the total learning experience begins. A ram’s horn, known as the Shofar begins its “Call to Battle & Victory.” “Parabellum Microbe, Sevare Vitas” which means; “Prepare for Microbial Warfare to Save Lives”. The program demands Silence, Respect, Dignity, and Perseverance because the cornerstone of a Microbial Warrior is Honor!

This is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer: “Lord, give us keen eyes, steady hands, and a servants heart so that we may be a blessing for those in need. In Jesus holy name I pray; Amen.

As you can see, before Jeff Jones begins teaching the technical, the focus is on YOU, the Operator; Team Member; A servant to those in need so that we can help make the world a better place. Is this the vocation and lifestyle that you wish to pursue? It is a vocation of honor based on service and requires a commitment of Body, Mind, and Spirit. Are you ready to be trained to become a Microbial Warrior®? You won’t be coddled. Jeff demands professionalism with the Prime Directive of Safety always in focus.

Microbial Warrior® David Hart prepares for “Hands On” Air Duct Decontamination and Cleaning. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jones

As a professional trainer in the industry of cleaning, restoration, and carpet installation with an education degree from Springfield College I was totally impressed with Jeff Jones’ commitment to training and caring and the well-rounded approach in teaching and assessment. “Amateurs train until they get it right”…”Professionals train until they cannot get it wrong”. This philosophy of training must have a lot to do with Jeff’s background. To be the best, you need to be trained by the best.

Jeff was a Specialist in Counterterrorism, former US Army Soldier, Former SWAT team leader, and the youngest person to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. A Certified Bio-Forensic Restoration Specialist® as well as a Certified Forensic Operator® with 50 years of field experience in Forensic Restoration® as well as a Certified Crime Scene Track Investigator and Certified Search and Rescue Tracker; should explain why he is so capable in leading and creating leaders and team members to work safely with intent and measurable results in a hostile environment. You will be taught how to use your mind as your primary weapon in critical thinking and the implementation of the OODA loop: observe, orient, decide and act. A contributor to the ANSI/IICRC S540 Standard for Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup and the first chairman of the Forensic Council of the RIA and co-editor of the RIA Guidelines for Professional Forensic Restoration. Dr. Kerri Lestage, PhD is quoted, “Jeff Jones is the World’s Leading Expert in Forensic Restoration® and Decontamination.”  

So, what about the program? Is it based upon a PowerPoint presentation? The program is far from this!!! It combines a multi-modality training philosophy of auditory, visual, and most importantly kinesthetic (hands-on) training with lots of it and repetition, repetition, repetition!

Student working on proper Forensic Cleaning Techniques. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jones

The final assessment to become a Microbial Warrior involves a three-part assessment program. There is a written cognitive test; a hands-on performance assessment and a behavioral assessment, all created with the help of Jennifer M. DeBruyn, PhD of Tennessee University and others. This was the first time I hoped to get a “0” (RLU’s) as a score on a test; (ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate). The minimum goal is 12 RLU or less. We strive for 0!

When Jeff states that SAFETY is the PRIME DIRECTIVE, you can see how this is exemplified throughout the type of training and assessment system created by the Microbial Warrior® program. In this course you will learn the importance of obtaining the critical incident data of who, what, where, when, and how. We don’t need to know the why. You will learn and be able to identify the 5 bio-risk levels that exist for proper planning. You will identify the three zones of an event that extends beyond the visible. You will learn to assess the three major components of any forensic restoration® event: structure, contents, and indoor air quality; not necessarily in that order and how to negotiate each. You will learn how to properly perform a site assessment. The site assessment will include safety issues, scope of work, establish the three zones (operating, transition, and clear), determine your tactical entrance and exit strategies, identify whether or not you have power, running water and lights. You will also identify structural issues, determine the air flow while determining your forensic cleaning and equipment needs. You will establish your waste management plan and communicate your plan to all involved. Remember, your primary weapon is your MIND! Your ammunition is your CRITICAL THINKING using the OODA loop (observe, orient, decide, act).  

Author (Berry Costa) during bio-load reduction training exercise. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jones

You will learn the importance of the 4 T’s (tactics, training, techniques and tools). It isn’t about open a bottle of a registered disinfectant then spray and hope as we observed many in our industry during the Covid 19 pandemic. You will learn how to perform a proper ATP sample pre and post with hands-on and testing. You will learn how to properly donn and doff your PPE with hands-on and testing. You will learn and be tested with specificity exactly which delivery system to use for each application and how far away to be from the item you are applying your chemistry and exactly the pattern to follow. You will perform proper cleaning techniques using micro-fiber cloths and anti-gravity poles. Dry pattern with picture framing and north to south motions as well as S-pattern in the application of the cleaning agent will be demonstrated and you will perform and be evaluated. You will assemble a bio-box and learn how to control your waste. You will be observed and evaluated when you assume the role of team leader and team member.

Since taking the Forensic Operator course I have also attended the new, High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist course that focuses on Fentanyl, Carfentanyl, Opioids, Xylazine, Heroin, and WMD (weapons of mass destruction), such as biologically based weapons. Attaining the level of Forensic Operator is needed before taking this new, high risk course. The very successful training system used in the preparation of a Forensic Operator is duplicated in “style” however with constant and repeated TEAM practice of how to follow the 7 Protocols and Procedures with a dry run; advancing to a wet run procedure; advancing to application with full PPE identified based upon the level of hazard assessment. There is no room for error. When you leave these courses you will feel prepared to immediately put your skills into action.

Without hesitation I can truly recommend those that are serious in entering this field of endeavor to become trained through the Microbial Warrior® Program. I believe in the program so much that I am now a volunteer on the Advisory Board of the Microbial Warrior® Program.