United States Army Center for Military History with Images from the US Army Institute of Heraldry

“ To transfer a unit from one branch of the Army to another -- for example, from infantry to armor. Such a change always requires a redesignation; however, there is no break in the historical continuity of the unit. Active as well as inactive units may be converted, but if the unit is active, it must also be reorganized under a new table of organization and equipment (TOE) . Demobilize. To remove the designation of a unit from the official rolls of the Army. If the unit is active, it must also be inactivated. ”

“ Cavalry contains information on units with a cavalry designation no matter how they are organized (i.e., as ground reconnaissance, armor, infantry, or aviation) . Other directories are self-evident from their titles. Glossary of Lineage Terms [2] Activate. To transfer a constituted Regular Army or Army Reserve unit from the inactive to the active rolls of the United States Army. The unit is usually stationed at a specific location and assigned personnel and equipment at this time; however, a unit may be active at zero strength -- that is, without personnel or equipment. ”

“ A unit that is an integral part of a larger organization -- for example, a lettered company of a battalion or regiment. Organize. To assign personnel and equipment to a unit and make it operative -- that is, capable of performing its mission. ”