About the Founder
Founder / Chief Instructor – Joe De Veaux
Joe De Veaux is a 26-year veteran of combined military, federal, and law enforcement service, with a mission to bridge the gap between traditional training and real-world tactical performance. As the founder of OODA DEV, Joe brings a unique level of experience in critical incident response, tactical firearms instruction, and threat assessment—gained from years on the front lines in both domestic and international operations.
OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND
• SWAT Operator, Sniper, React/Entry Team Leader, Assistant Sniper Team Leader, Master Trainer / Training Coordinator, and Lead Firearms/Tactics Instructor for the Chula Vista Police SWAT Team, where he elevated individual and team performance by developing real-world qualification standards, advanced weapons training, and operationally-driven tactical instruction.
• Detective Agent for the Chula Vista Police Special Operations Division Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET), where he provided tactical expertise, conducted covert surveillance operations and assisted in complex investigations into organized crime and narcotics trafficking, including joint task force work with the FBI, DEA, and DHS targeting transnational criminal networks.
• FBI Task Force Officer / Case Agent for multi-jurisdictional investigations into organized crime and enterprise-level criminal activity, leading to the disruption of transnational criminal enterprises and dismantling of high-level threat networks.
• Detective and Lead Case Agent for the Chula Vista Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) where he supported human trafficking investigations and led a highly complex, long-term case involving public corruption, money laundering, narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, and criminal intelligence operations.
• Patrol Officer, Street Team Gang Suppression Officer, Agent, and Acting Sergeant with the Chula Vista Police Department, where he executed proactive operations targeting gang violence and led uniformed patrol response units.
• U.S. Federal Air Marshal, assigned to high-risk domestic and international flight security missions, also serving as VIPR Team Leader, Firearms Instructor, and Tactics Instructor for homeland security response operations.
• Police Officer II, Crime Suppression Team Officer, SWAT Operator, and Team Leader with the San Diego Police Department, where he conducted high-risk enforcement actions including fugitive apprehension, hostage rescue, and complex urban tactical operations.
• Combat-Deployed DOD/DOS Contractor, embedded with U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, specializing in counterinsurgency operations, intelligence support, and tactical training in joint mission environments.
• U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist / Naval Special Warfare, serving in classified environments with Top Secret/SCI clearance, supporting special operations through intelligence collection, analysis, and mission-critical operational planning.
INSTRUCTIONAL IMPACT
Joe has had the privilege of learning from some of the world’s top shooters and elite tactical operators, and has tested that knowledge in hundreds of high-risk, real-world missions. Over the course of his career, he has participated in more than 500 high-risk operations, led and instructed in active shooter response, sniper deployments, hostage rescue, and CQC tactics. He has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers, military personnel, foreign security forces and vetted civilians across a range of operational disciplines.
As a Chief Instructor, Joe has developed department-wide firearms qualification standards, created sniper training programs, and implemented real-world, scenario-based tactical training to improve operator performance under stress.
With decades of operational experience, multiple commendations, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others, Joe founded OODA DEV to deliver elite-level training to responsible citizens, law enforcement professionals, and military personnel. His instruction is grounded in the OODA Loop principle—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act—empowering clients to make better decisions under pressure and respond decisively when it matters most.
Joe holds numerous certifications, including Master Firearms Instructor, Tactical Team Instructor, Sniper Instructor, and Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Specialist. He remains a humble student of the craft and a passionate advocate for readiness, resilience, and real-world performance.
Our Board of Advisors
Strategic Insight. Real-World Experience. Mission-Aligned Support.
OODA DEV is strengthened by the insight and experience of a distinguished Advisory Board composed of leaders in law enforcement, military special operations, small business, and community safety. These trusted professionals offer a wealth of knowledge shaped by decades of real-world leadership in tactical operations, threat assessment, public service, and organizational development.
Our Advisory Board plays a key role in informing our strategic vision, enhancing program relevance, and ensuring that our training and consulting services reflect the highest standards of integrity, effectiveness, and professionalism.
Together, their diverse backgrounds help us stay aligned with our mission: to prepare vetted citizens, law enforcement professionals, and institutions to face today’s threats with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
MEET THE BOARD
Michael C. Varga – OODA DEV Advisory Board Member, Former Military, Retired SWAT Team Leader, Special Operations Detective Sergeant, Federal Counter-Intelligence Leader
SPECIALIZATIONS:
• Behavioral Threat Assessment & Insider Threat
Mitigation
• SWAT Command & Critical Incident Leadership
• Human Trafficking & Organized Crime Investigations
• Multi-Agency Task Force Coordination (FBI, DHS, DEA)
• Counterintelligence Operations & Espionage Risk
Mitigation
• Security Strategy for Defense and Federal Infrastructure
• Intelligence-Informed Threat Management & Risk
Consulting
Michael Varga is a nationally recognized expert in law enforcement operations, counterintelligence and insider threat strategies, and behavioral threat assessment and management. With over two decades of decorated service in Southern California law enforcement, he retired as a Detective Sergeant in the Special Operations Division of the Chula Vista Police Department. There, he led specialized teams conducting complex investigations into organized crime, human trafficking, and criminal intelligence.
As the department’s senior SWAT Team Leader, he successfully commanded hundreds of critical operations involving fugitive apprehension and high-risk warrant service. His leadership extended across joint task forces with the FBI, DEA, and DHS, where his detectives played critical roles in disrupting transnational criminal enterprises.
Following his local service, Mr. Varga transitioned to federal leadership as the Eastern Region Chief for Insider Threats with the Defense Counter-intelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), where he led multidisciplinary teams tasked with detecting and neutralizing insider threats, espionage, and targeted violence across the U.S.
defense enterprise.
In this capacity, he engaged directly with senior military and intelligence officials to shape national-level threat mitigation strategies and intelligence-informed risk
assessments. His work at DCSA integrated intelligence oversight, behavioral analysis, and operational security practices to safeguard critical assets across the Department of Defense.
Today, Mr. Varga is the founder and principal of Risk Analytics International, a private intelligence and threat management consultancy delivering actionable insight to
organizations navigating complex security challenges. As a member of OODA DEV’s
Advisory Board, he brings a sharp tactical edge, strategic intelligence acumen, and deep operational experience to support the company’s mission. He is committed to helping OODA DEV strengthen its capabilities, sharpen its threat-informed approach, and provide innovative solutions to clients operating in today’s dynamic risk environment.
Michael St. Clair – OODA DEV Advisory Board Member, Former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret), Current SWAT Sergeant & Sniper Team Leader
SPECIALIZATIONS:
• Sniper Operations & Counter-Sniper Tactics
• Urban & Rural Close Quarters Combat
• SWAT and Special Forces-Level Planning & Execution
• Multi-Agency Tactical Operations
• Scenario-Based Training Design
Michael St. Clair is a former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) operator and the current SWAT Sniper Team Sergeant for a major West Coast police agency, bringing over 20 years of combined military and law enforcement experience. His operational
background spans overseas direct-action missions to domestic hostage rescues
and critical incident responses.
After serving in elite Army Special Forces units—where he specialized in unconventional warfare, small-unit tactics, and foreign internal defense—Sgt. St. Clair transitioned to law enforcement. He now leads a specialized SWAT sniper team and oversees SWAT training, managing complex tactical operations that demand precision,
coordination, and decisive leadership.
As a member of the OODA DEV Advisory Board, Sgt. St. Clair provides real-world expertise in sniper deployment, close-quarters combat (CQC), and tactical threat mitigation. His experience ensures that OODA DEV’s training programs are grounded in operational realism and mission effectiveness.
Tom Foster – OODA DEV Advisory Board Member, U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief (retired) of Maritime Special Operations, Pastor & Community Leader
SPECIALIZATIONS:
• Maritime Security & Special Operations Leadership
• Community Safety, Ministry Protection and
Security Development Programs
• Mental Resilience, Conflict Resolution & Spiritual
Guidance
• School, Church & Civilian Engagement in Safety
Development & Threat Prevention
• Bridging Tactical Training with Community Empowerment
Tom Foster is a retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard with over 20 years of experience leading maritime security operations and special mission units in complex, high-risk environments.
Throughout his military career, he was known for his ability to lead with precision, accountability, and a strong moral
compass under pressure.
After retiring from military service, Tom transitioned into community leadership, where he has served as Director of Ministry Safety and Development as well as a mentor,
advisor, and program developer focused on safety, crisis preparedness, and values-based resilience. He has worked closely with families, schools, places of worship, and public institutions to build practical safety plans, strengthen leadership at every level, and foster community readiness in a world of growing uncertainty.
As a member of the OODA DEV Advisory Board, Tom brings a rare combination of operational credibility and community connection. His ability to translate tactical
principles into real-world applications for everyday people plays a critical role in helping OODA DEV fulfill its mission to empower both professionals and private citizens to observe smarter, decide faster, and act with purpose.
Dave Gasparine – OODA DEV Advisory Board Member, Small Business Owner / Consultant
SPECIALIZATIONS:
• Entrepreneurial Development & Startup Operations
• Business Scalability & Revenue Strategy
• Customer Experience & Private Sector Engagement
• Community Outreach & Marketing Development
• Process Optimization for Service-Based Enterprises
• Budgeting, Branding, and Client Retention Strategies
• Small Business Risk Management & Compliance Oversight
As a seasoned entrepreneur and small business owner, Dave brings a critical civilian perspective to OODA DEV’s mission of
enhancing public safety and fostering strong community relations. With hands-on
experience in launching startups and scaling mission-driven ventures, Dave provides strategic insight into business growth, operational sustainability, and client engagement. His expertise bridges the gap between public safety initiatives and private sector needs—ensuring OODA DEV’s impact is both mission-focused and community-driven.