What is the first step in the eight steps of room clearing?

The first step in the eight steps of room clearing is to dominate. This step is crucial as it establishes the initial control and overwhelming presence that a team needs to ensure safety and effectiveness in potentially hostile environments. By dominating the space, team members can assert control over the room and deter any threats, thereby setting the conditions for subsequent actions.

This step usually involves quickly entering the room in a coordinated manner, which typically includes decisive movement and tactical positioning. The goal is to neutralize any potential threats while minimizing confusion and maintaining situational awareness.

The other options refer to essential but subsequent steps in the room clearing process. While controlling through verbiage can be helpful in certain contexts and is often used later to communicate and direct individuals within the area, it is not the initial action taken. Similarly, searching the dead and transitioning are parts of the procedure that follow the dominance phase, which primarily focuses on taking control of the space immediately upon entry.