The MTP programs are primarily derived from the TWI "J" programs. Starting in 1941, the TWI Service began to train the functional branch of the military that supported the active service - Services of Supply - SOS. Based upon the success in SOS (later named Army Service Forces - ASF), other branches of the military adopted the programs.

In late 1943, due to cuts in TWI's budget, the military were forced to develop their own training independent of TWI. However, many groups continued to maintain their relationships with the TWI District offices.

In late 1944, the Army Air Forces (AAF) reformulated the TWI programs into a general supervisory training program - even specifying which classes were available for credit towards each particular "J" program.

The supervisory training program continued development after WW2 in the Far East Air Force (FEAF). By 1950, FEAF had developed a partnership with a Japanese University to teach the course, which had expanded to 20 sessions by now.

Between 1948-1950, the SCAP (Supreme Commander of Allied Powers - occupying force of Japan following WW2) had begun investigating how to improve the management skills in the Japanese industry. The MTP program was one of several used in Japan. Other primary programs were the TWI "J" programs and the CCS (Civil Communications Section) training program developed by Sarasohn and Protzman.

Part of the success of the MTP program was due to the rivalry between MITI and the Ministry of Labour. MITI promoted the MTP programs while the Ministry of Labour promoted the TWI programs.