Biography

Recruiting Station Harrisburg
Sergeant Major James D. Miller

Sergeant Major Miller was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Lancaster. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2004, completing recruit training at Parris Island, followed by Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger and MOS school at Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he earned the MOS of 1161. He was promoted to Private First Class during MOS school.

Afterward, he reported to Engineer Maintenance Company, 3d FSSG, Okinawa, Japan, in December 2004, deploying to Indonesia in support of Operation Unified Assistance in January 2005. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in July 2005 and deployed again to Indonesia in 2006 to support humanitarian efforts there.

In December 2006, he reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 and was promoted to Corporal in May 2007. He was re-designated to Marine Air Control Squadron 2 and deployed to Iraq from July 2007 to January 2008, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

In August 2008, Sergeant Major Miller returned to Aberdeen Proving Ground as an MOS instructor and platoon sergeant. He was promoted to Sergeant in October 2008 and assisted in relocating the 1161 MOS school to Fort Lee, Virginia. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his exceptional performance as an instructor.

In October 2010, he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, for drill instructor duty, later being meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant in July 2012. He served as an Instructor Trainer of Water Survival and received several awards for his professional achievements and community contributions.

In April 2014, Sergeant Major Miller joined Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, Cherry Point, North Carolina, as Utilities Chief. He assumed duties as Headquarters and Service Company Gunnery Sergeant and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his influence within the squadron.

In March 2016, he reported to 2d Combat Engineer Battalion as Utilities Chief, overseeing the consolidation of utilities assets and supporting multiple MEF-level exercises. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November 2016.

In January 2017, he became the SNCOIC of the Utilities Platoon at Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, deploying to Bahrain as Bravo Company Senior Enlisted Advisor. He later assumed the SEA role at Engineer Company. In July 2020, he transferred to 2d Battalion, 10th Marines, serving as Golf Battery 1stSgt and deploying with Battalion Landing Team 2/6 and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In March 2024, he became H&S Company First Sergeant at the Marine Corps Engineer School, managing personnel, overseeing ceremonies, and occasionally serving as the School Sergeant Major. In April 2025, he was promoted to Sergeant Major and reported to Recruiting Station Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.

Sergeant Major Miller’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a gold star in lieu of the fourth award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a gold star in lieu of the fifth award, and the Army Achievement Medal. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Health Science and a Master of Management degree in Human Resource Management.