Austin Miller is an American 4-star general and legendary Delta Force captain who led Delta Force operators during Operation Gothic Serpent (Battle of Mogadishu). Austin Miller was portrayed in the Hollywood blockbuster Black Hawk Down. He was among the first to enter Afghanistan in post-9/11 operations.
Today, Miller holds command of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan (Resolute Support Mission). On a few occasions, he was the first commanding officer of the Joint Special Operations Command.
On October 18, 2018, Austin Miller was in the room at the governor’s compound in southern Kandahar when a Taliban gunman shot Abdul Raziq. Miller was not harmed, but drew his sidearm during the shooting, waited until the wounded were attended to, and flew out with the casualties afterward, including Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley.
Early Life
But let’s go to the beginning. Austin Scott Miller was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 15, 1961. He went to the United States Military Academy after graduating in 1983. His first assignment was as an infantry officer in the United States Army.
Military Service
Shortly after he settled as an infantry officer, Miller attended Ranger School. Upon graduation, he was assigned a platoon in the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division. Afterward, Austin Miller moved to the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served as a platoon leader with A Company, 2nd Battalion (Ranger). He served in the 75th Ranger Regiment from January 1986 to May 1987.
Austin Miller completed Infantry Officer Advanced Course in June 1989 and was assigned to South Korea as a Company Commander with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry (Mechanized), 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth United States Army. Later he was an instructor at the Special Operations Division School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Delta Force Selection
In 1992, Miller attended the Delta selection course and, upon its completion, was assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (1st SFOD-D), or Delta Force, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In the following years, he moved through the ranks. He held numerous leadership positions, including squadron operations officer, troop commander, selection and training commander, Squadron commander, deputy commander, and a commanding officer from 2005 to 2007.
Miller participated in numerous combat operations during Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In October 1993, Austin Miller was the ground force commander during the Battle of Mogadishu, while Lieutenant Colonel Gary L. Harrell held operational command of C Squadron, 1st SFOD-D.
The events of that day had become portrayed in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down.
High-ranking positions
- Deputy Director for Special Operations, J-37, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C (2008 to 2009)
- Special assistant to the Director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization in Arlington, Virginia (September 2011 to August 2012)
- a special assistant to the deputy commanding general, United States Special Operations Command in Washington D.C. (August 2012 to June 2013)
- the commanding general of the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command in Afghanistan, or CFSOCC-A (June 2013 – June 2014)
- the commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning (2014 – 2016)
- the commanding general of the Joint Special Operations Command (2016 – 2018)
- command of United States Forces — Afghanistan and the Resolute Support mission (2018 – present)
He graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the United States Marine Corps War College, and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School.
Awards and recommendations
Austin Miller’s awards and recommendations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with combat ‘V’ device, and the Purple Heart.
I wished I could meet Austin Scott Miller. He’s a GREAT HERO. VERY HANDSOME TOO.
I would love to meet him. God bless
Someone has been using General Millers name on Facebook and scamming.
I pray daily for the men and women of the service United States of America I thank them for service & bravery I honor them I salute them I thank them
I am sure that it is easy to recognize scammers and that it is easy to assume that general Miller doesn’t have time to scroll through the social networks.
General Austin Miller isn’t on any social media’s.
That is reasonable… Why should he hangout on social networks?
I have been “trolled” on Twitter abs messenger by 3 different guys calling themselves Austin Scott Miller. They used his photos. It was obvious they were not him! Their command of the English language was nowhere near that of a Westpoint Graduate with a law degree. Two asked for help with funds and the third said he’d list his cellphone abs asked me to send one to an address in Nigeria! Claimed it was a Nato Depot. I have all the correspondence and may just report them to the USA scam crime department
I’ve been talking to an idiot claiming to be General Miller, pulling his chain for a week! He wants to send me his portfolio for safe keeping. All I have to do is send a delivery fee, 5k. I told him I ‘d happy to keep it safe but since he makes $16,000 a month, he’s could pay the charge! Passed him off
can anyone tell me or General AustinScoot Miller in Afghanistan. his foot was injured, In the beginning of March month
General Miller said, What make those women believe Army General on social media romantic chat with stranger? They are not smart!
I used to live in Afghanistan and would like to deliver an important mssg to Scott Miller: do whatever you can to keep Bagram in our hands, there will never be a more important player in the game of leverage with Iran, China and Pakistan. In our hands, with a small “delta” type force, it will be a invaluable confidence booster to Afghan forces and American supporters. Why make it a ready made fortress and comfort zone for our enemy to plan another 9/11 assault on our country?!
He is a terrific leader. I pray he makes it home some day, and lives a long retired life. He’s done much for many for a long time.
Why in God’s name would any sane admin turn over to our arch enemy a gem like Bagram, a place to protect themselves while they, the Taliban and AlQaida, develop plans for another 9-11? Don”t anyone doubt that this will happen! Compared to where they live, this airbase is like the NY Hilton!!
April Laraway, It must be the same person who asked me to send 5k so he could send me his portfolio. He supposedly had to pay a diplomat to send it. He also asked for phone cards and a new laptop. Since my neighbor is a retired Col. from the army I showed him the requests. He said all high ranking officers have every means at their disposal to guarantee the safe return of their personal items. I can see how someone could easily fall for this scam. Thank God I didn’t.
I received the same type request as well, someone stating he was his son also texted me. No money sent there for sure. Now that he is back he can contact the diplomat himself!!!
I hear he’s NOT back.
The scam for General Miller is still going on. Even though he supposed to be home. The scammer needs to check his facts. He is starting to get confused on simple information that a person of his caliber and education should know. With all the technology the government has you would think they could put a stop to this scam and protect someone as important as General Miller has become to the world. God Bless him and his family. Let them live in peace for a change.
Just was contacted by the fraud on Instagram rep d and blocked
Hello General Miller:
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You probably can’t count the times you were in danger since you were in Delta Force. With all of the leadership positions you held is very impressive.
It must make you feel pretty special during the Battle of Mogadishu being the ground force commander then.
It would be amazing to meet you, but that would be only in a dream! Its such a pleasure to write this note to let you know I appreciate what you have done for our country and your fellow man.
Thank you and I will make it a point to see the movie “Black Hawk Down”
Hi Scottie, Do you remember our conversation on your birthday? You said who can tell me Happy Birthday without saying “Happy Birthday” I did and you sent me a message on Twitter.
We talked briefly until Twitter removed our conversation. You sent me a few pictures, one of you and a couple you were having dinner with.
Since you have been home I hope you are adjusting to civilian life and you are doing great. When you have some time send me a note. Also congratulations on your retirement, thank you for your service and so glad you’re finally safe at home. Sue
[email protected]
I’d like to know if he’s married
Glad to know “This Guy” was the GFC and not Danny Mcknight, My Bn CMDR.
I met Scott Miller at an induction ceremony to the OCS hall of fame at Ft Benning,s national infantry museum, for my roommate in OCS. I had submitted the nomination and Gen Miller did the evaluation personally. Very personable man and a great leader. We need a lot more like him.
Does anyone have information about General Miller’s recent speaking engagement at Duke University in Durham, NC this Spring? I believe it may have been in late March or April. Would appreciate having the date he was there; would like to find it on UTube for a class. Thank you very much.