Second time's the charm: 1st Brigade Combat Team lieutenant beats out competition

By Staff Sgt. Javier O. OronaJune 24, 2014

Second time's the charm:  1st Brigade Combat Team lieutenant beats out competition
1st Lt. Daniel Miller, executive officer of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, runs during the Army Physical Fitness Test portion of the 2014 Megellas competition, May 5th, at... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -The 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team pitted 82 of its lieutenants against one another to compete in the 2014 Megellas competition, May 5th.

The competition is named for veteran 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment paratrooper Lt. Col. James Megellas, who is one of the most decorated officers in the history of the All American Division. It kicked off with an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), at Camp Mackall, N.C. on a muggy spring morning. Later that day, competitors were tasked with attempting to conquer "Nasty Nick," an obstacle course designed to defeat all takers.

The four days of challenging events put each lieutenant to the test and gave them an opportunity to showcase their abilities, but when the dust settled there could be only one winner.

1st Lt. Daniel Miller, executive officer of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 501st PIR, 1BCT, won this years competition. He has previously competed in the competition and said his past experience motivated him.

"Last year was the first time I competed, and I placed third," Miller said. " So this year I really felt like I had to come back and do better."

Miller, a native of Tacoma, Washington, joined the Army just shy of four years ago because of his belief that battles mold history. Initially he enlisted into active duty to be an infantryman, and an Army ranger, so that he could make an impact on the world.

He broke his leg during a high school track and field meet just before heading off to basic training. While he was recovering from his injury, Miller's teachers convinced him into applying for the ROTC program at Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, Washington. That was where Miller developed his skills, and worked toward his goal of becoming a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army.

Now, one year later, Miller found himself taking a second crack at obtaining the number one spot in the Megellas competition. This time he was equipped with more experience to assist him in winning first place.

Day two of the competition wasn't nearly as physical as day one was, but it required technical skill. Miller was tasked with zeroing his weapon and he conducted land navigation testing at the Pre-Ranger course.

The third day started with a five-mile run. The competition tried to keep up, but Miller stayed in the lead to take first place in the event.

"I've always [during competitions] placed first during five-mile runs," said Miller. "I wasn't worried about that at all."

With the five-mile run completed, it was time to move on to the stress shoot event and the M4 qualification range.

"The stress shoot was definitely good training," said Miller. "In the future, when planning ranges, I'll definitely remember to include that training."

The last day of the competition included a 12-mile ruck march. Miller says the ruck march was the toughest event and it was physically challenging.

He was very humble about his accomplishments and made it clear that competing this year meant more to him than winning a title.

"This is all designed around building a team, and camaraderie," said Miller. "Represent your battalion well, prepare physically, and enjoy getting to know people."

Miller is eligible for Cpt. before next year's competition, which would disqualify him from competing next year, but still says if he doesn't compete he'll keep an eye on the results. When asked about future competitors trying to dethrone him, Miller said one thing, "Give it your best shot."