Personnel and Training 5-1. Therefore, it's DoD policy that pest managers must be carefully selected and trained before they dispense any pesticide. Many factors amplify this need. Since World War II, hundreds of new pesticides have been developed and still newer pesticides are being developed and tested today.
Pesticides present a wide range of hazards but are quite safe if used correctly.
If they're mishandled through improper mixing, misapplication, etc., they may present a considerable danger to both pest managers and others in the area being treated, and to the environment. Also, as specialized equipment and new management techniques are developed, it becomes increasingly critical that only people with the ability and interest to conduct pest management operations are assigned to installation pest management programs. Such aptitudes are demonstrated by qualifying for certification. But because of ongoing developments in the profession, certified pest managers must also be periodically reexamined and recertified. Newly hired or recruited personnel typically lack the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to properly perform routine pest management functions, even if they've had previous civilian pest management experience.