This short article will discuss MTOE for Army units.  In the Army National Guard, there are two different types of units.  There are Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) units and Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA) units.  Army MTOE units are units that are doctrinally defined as operational Army field units.  In other words, these are the go-to-war, combat-ready units.  On the other hand, a TDA unit is a non-tactical unit such as a fixed facility, school house or command and control headquarters. 

An example of an MTOE unit would be an infantry company, an engineer battalion or maintenance company.  An example of a TDA unit could be a military school house, a garrison MP unit, or Post Headquarters.  Personally, I have served in both types of units and must admit that the MTOE units are faster paced and much more challenging.  This is just my experience though.  Yours may differ.

An Army Unit MTOE prescribes the normal mission, organizational structure, and personnel and equipment requirements for a military unit and is the basis for an authorization document. Units are constituted and activated in accordance with an approved MTOE or modified MTOE.  In some unique instances, a MTOE conversion might happen.  For instance an Engineer Battalion could be activated to serve as a Transportation Battalion.
 
All personnel are military, and the unit can be deployed anywhere in the world. Some current MTOE organizations have TDA augmentations, which may include civilians and foreign personnel, to assist in performing their non-tactical missions. These augmentations are not deployable, however.

Once again, MTOE units are operational Army field units.  These are the combat, combat support and combat service support units that deploy, fight and win wars.  In the Army National Guard, there are more than 1,400 MTOE units.  These include infantry, artillery, armor, engineer, military police, signal, quartermaster, maintenance, medical and other types of go-to-war units.  Not too long ago, MTOE units were known as line units.  That's why you will sometimes here Staff Officers say "I wish I was back in the line."

If you have an opportunity to choose your Company Command, I would recommend an MTOE unit.  After all, the mission of the Army is to fight and win its land wars.  What better way to serve, than to lead a deployable, combat-ready unit? In this position, you will spend most of your time training.  You will go to the field, conduct live fire exercises and focus on Warrior Task Training, battle drills and collective tasks.

However, if you end up getting a TDA command, don’t worry.  That position is equally important.  TDA units usually train or support the MTOE units.  That may not sound glamorous, but it is important.  And remember, the job doesn’t make the leader, the leader makes the job.  Whatever type of command you get, do your best!

In conclusion, an Army MTOE unit is a deployable go-to-war unit and a TDA unit is a non-tactical unit.  These MTOE units are the bread and the butter of the U.S. Army.  They are staffed by the men and women who deploy and protect our great nation.  As an Army Officer, you should spend as much time as possible in MTOE units.  That way, you are technically and tactically proficient.  

Learn more about TDA and MTOE units in my Company Command eBook