miller was promoted to the rank of colonel in march 1939 and sent to the senior course at naval war college at newport, rhode island. he graduated during may 1940 and served as an instructor until may 1941, when he was assigned to the staff of 2nd marine division under major general clayton b. vogel at san diego. when general vogel was appointed commanding general of amphibious force, pacific fleet, miller followed him as his chief of staff in march 1942.