Major James MacMillan is a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and raised in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in May 2012 and reported to The Basic School in July 2012. In February 2013, he reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course.
In July 2013, Second Lieutenant MacMillan reported to 2d Battalion, 11th Marines on Camp Pendleton, California, serving as a Forward Observer in the Liaison Section. The following spring he attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, deploying to Okinawa, Japan, and Darwin, Australia for Rotational Force Darwin.
Upon his return and promotion to First Lieutenant, he was assigned as the Cannon Platoon Commander, Battery E, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines. He deployed with Battery E in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in Okinawa, Japan, and subsequently to Darwin, Australia. Upon his return to Camp Pendleton, he served as Fire Direction Officer for Battery E and Battalion Assistant Logistics Officer.
In March of 2016, First Lieutenant MacMillan transferred to Battery F to serve as Fire Direction Officer, deploying on the 31st MEU in May 2016. First Lieutenant MacMillan was promoted to Captain in March of 2017 and ended his active service in May of 2017.
In January 2019, Captain MacMillan joined the Select Marine Corps Reserve and was assigned to the 14th Marine Regiment. He has served in multiple units within 14th Marines, holding the billets of Battalion Fire Support Officer, Battalion Fire Direction Officer, Assistant Liaison Officer, and Battery Executive Officer. Captain MacMillan was promoted to Major in January of 2024 and currently serves as the Battery Commander for Battery M, 3d Battalion, 14th Marines.
Major MacMillan completed his Master of Liberal Arts degree through St. John’s College, Annapolis.
Major MacMillan’s personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal