Tata served in the United States Army for 28 years, retiring in 2009 with the rank of brigadier general. From 2006 to 2007, he was Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. Tata served two tours of duty at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division. As the Chief of Plans for the 82nd Airborne Division, Tata led the planning effort for Operation Uphold Democracy. He also was brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division.