Wu-tzu said: "Now men constantly perish from their inabilities and are defeated by the unfamiliar. Thus among the methods for using the military, training and causing them to be alert are first. One man who has been trained in warfare can instruct ten men. Ten men who have studied warfare can train one hundred men. And one hundred such men can train one thousand. One thousand, ten thousand; and ten thousand who have been trained in warfare can train the entire body of the Three Armies.
"With the nearby await the distant; with the well-ordered await the labored; with the surfeited await the hungry."
"Have them deploy in circular formations, then change to square ones. Have them sit, then get up; move, then halt. Have them move to the left, then the right; forward and to the rear. Have them divide and combine, unite and disperse. When all these changes are familiar, provide them with weapons. These are what are termed `the general's affairs."'
Wu-tzu said: "The basic rule of warfare that should be taught is that men short in stature should carry spears and spear-tipped halberds, while the tall should carry bows and crossbows.22 The strong should carry the flags and banners; the courageous should carry the bells and drums. The weak should serve in supply work, while the wise should supervise the planning.
"Districts and villages should be organized together, with squads of five and ten forming the basis for mutual protection and guarantee. To a single drum beat they should prepare their weapons; to the double beat they should drill in various deployments; to a triple beat they should hasten to eat; to a quadruple beat they should have final inspection; and to a five-beat cadence they should move out. Only after you hear the drums sound in unison should you raise the banners."
Marquis Wu asked: "Is there a Way [Tao] for advancing and halting the Three Armies?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "Do not confront `Heaven's Furnace' or `Dragon's Head.' Heaven's Furnace is the mouth of a deep valley. Dragon's Head is the base of a high mountain. You should keep the Green Dragon banner on the left, White Tiger on the right, Vermillion Bird in the front, Mysterious Military to the rear, with Twinkler above from where military affairs will be controlled. When about to engage in combat determine the wind's direction. If favorable, yell and follow it; if contrary, assume a solid formation and await the enemy."
Marquis Wu asked: "In general are there methods for taking care of the chariots and cavalry?"23
Wu Ch'i replied: "Now the horses must be properly settled, with appropriate grass and water and correct feeding so as to be neither hungry nor full. In the winter they should have warm stables, in the summer cool sheds. Their mane and hair should be kept trimmed and their hooves properly cared for. Blinders and ear protectors should be used so as to keep them from being startled and frightened. Practice their galloping and pursuit, exercise constraint over their advancing and halting. Men and horses must be attached to each other; only thereafter can they be employed.
"The equipment for the chariots and cavalry-such as saddles, bridles, bits, and reins-must all be complete and durable. Normally, the horses do not receive their injuries near the end of the battle but invariably they are injured at the start. Similarly, they are not injured so much by hunger as by being overfed. When the sun is setting and the road long, the riders should frequently dismount for it is better to have the men weary than to overlabor the horses. You should always direct movements so as to keep some strength in reserve against the enemy suddenly turning on us. Anyone who is clear about this can traverse the realm without hindrance."
Wu-tzu said: "Now the commanding general of the Three Armies should combine both military and civilian abilities. The employment of soldiers requires uniting both hardness and softness. In general when people discuss generalship, they usually focus on courage. However, courage is but one of a general's many characteristics for the courageous will rashly join battle with the enemy. To rashly join battle with an enemy without knowing the advantages and disadvantages is not acceptable. Now the affairs to which the general must pay careful attention are five: first, regulation; second, preparation; third, commitment; fourth, caution; and fifth, simplification. Regulation is governing the masses just as one controls a few. Preparation is going out the city gate as if seeing the enemy. Commitment means entering combat without any concern for life. Caution means that even after conquering, one maintains the same control and attitude as if just entering a battle. Simplification means the laws and orders are kept to a minimum and are not abrasive.
"To accept the mandate [of command] without ever declining, destroy the enemy, and only afterward speak about returning is the proper form of behavior [li] for a general. Thus when the army goes forth, his only thought should be of the glory that death will bring, not the shame of living."
Wu-tzu said: "In general warfare has four vital points: ch'i, terrain, affairs, and strength. When the masses of the Three Armies-the million soldiers of the forces-are strategically deployed in appropriate formations according to varying degrees of strength by one man, this is termed the `vital point [chi] of ch'i.' When the road is narrow and the way perilous; when famous mountains present great obstacles; and if ten men defend a place one thousand cannot pass, this is termed a `vital point [chi] of earth.' Being good at con trolling clandestine operatives; with a few light troops harassing the enemy, causing them to scatter; and forcing rulers and ministers to feel mutual annoyance and higher and lower ranks to reproach each other, this is termed the `vital point [chi] of affairs.' When the chariots have solid axles and secure pins; the boats [have] well-suited rudders and oars; the officers are thoroughly familiar with the fighting formations; and the horses practiced in pursuit and maneuvers, this is termed the `vital point [chi] of strength.' One who knows these four is qualified to be a general. However, his awesomeness, Virtue [te], benevolence, and courage must be sufficient to lead his subordinates and settle the masses. Furthermore, he must frighten the enemy and resolve doubts. When he issues orders, no one will dare disobey them. Wherever he may be, rebels will not dare oppose him. Gaining him, the state will grow strong; losing him, the state will perish. This is what is referred to as a good general."
Wu-tzu said: "Now the different drums, gongs, and bells are the means to awe the ear; flags and banners, pennants and standards the means to awe the eye; and prohibitions, orders, punishments, and fines the means to awe the mind. When the ear has been awestruck by sound, it cannot but be clear. When the eye has been awestruck by color, it cannot but be discriminating. When the mind has been awestruck by penalties, it cannot but be strict. If these three are not established, even though you have the support of the state you will invariably be defeated by the enemy. Thus it is said that wherever the general's banners are, everyone will go, and wherever the general points, everyone will move forward-even unto death.i24
Wu-tzu said: "In general the essentials of battle are as follows. You must first attempt to divine25 the enemy's general and evaluate his talent. In accord with the situation exploit the strategic imbalance of power [ch'uan]; then you will not labor but will still achieve results. A commanding general who is stupid and trusting can be deceived and entrapped. One who is greedy and unconcerned about reputation can be given gifts and bribed. One who easily changes his mind and lacks real plans can be labored and distressed. If the upper ranks are wealthy and arrogant while the lower ranks are poor and resentful, they can be separated and divided. If their advancing and withdrawing are often marked by doubt and the troops have no one to rely on, they can be shocked into running off. If the officers despise the commanding general and are intent on returning home, by blocking off the easy roads and leaving the treacherous ones open, they can be attacked and captured. If the terrain over which they advance is easy but the road for withdrawal difficult, they can be forced to come forward. If the way to advance is difficult but the road for retreating easy, they can be pressed and attacked. If they encamp on low wetlands where there is no way for the water to drain off, if heavy rain should fall several times, they can be flooded and drow
ned. If they make camp in a wild marsh or fields dense with a heavy tangle of grass and stalks, should violent winds frequently arise you can burn the fields and destroy them. If they remain encamped for a long time-the generals and officers growing lax and lazy, the army becoming unprepared-you can sneak up and spring a surprise attack."
Marquis Wu asked: "When our two armies are confronting each other but I do not know their general, if I want to fathom him what methods are there?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "Order some courageous men from the lower ranks to lead some light shock troops to test him. [When the enemy responds] they should concentrate on running off instead of trying to gain some objective. Then analyze the enemy's advance, whether their actions-such as sitting and standing-are in unison and their organization well preserved; whether when they pursue your retreat they feign being unable to catch you, or when they perceive easy gain they pretend not to realize it. A commander like this may be termed a `wise general.' Do not engage him in battle.
"If their troops approach yelling and screaming, their flags and pennants in confusion, while some of their units move of their own accord and others stop, some weapons held vertically, others horizontally-if they pursue our retreating troops as if they are afraid they will not reach us, or seeing advantage are afraid of not gaining it, this marks a stupid general. Even if his troops are numerous they can be taken."
Marquis Wu asked: "If the chariots are sturdy, the horses excellent, the generals courageous, and the soldiers strong, but when you suddenly encounter the enemy they are thrown into turmoil and break formation, what can be done?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "In general it is a rule of battle that during daylight hours the flags, banners, pennants, and standards provide the measure, while at night the gongs, drums, pipes, and whistles provide the constraints.26 When left is signaled, they should go left; when right, then right. When the drum is beaten, they should advance; when the gongs sound, they should halt. At the first blowing they should form ranks; at the second assemble together. Execute anyone who does not follow the orders. When the Three Armies submit to your awesomeness and the officers and soldiers obey commands, then in combat no enemy will be stronger than you, nor will any defenses remain impenetrable to your attack."
Marquis Wu asked: "If the enemy is numerous while we are few, what can I do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "Avoid them on easy terrain, attack them in narrow quarters. Thus it is said, for one to attack ten, nothing is better than a narrow defile. For ten to attack one hundred, nothing is better than a deep ravine. For one thousand to attack ten thousand, nothing is better than a dangerous pass." Now if you have a small number of troops, should they suddenly arise-striking the gongs and beating the drums-to attack the enemy on a confined road, then even though his numbers are very great, they will all be startled and move about. Thus it is said, when employing larger numbers concentrate on easy terrain; when using small numbers concentrate on naturally confined terrain."
Marquis Wu asked: "Their forces are extremely numerous, martial, and courageous. Behind them are ravines and dangerous passes; on their right mountains; on the left a river. They have deep moats and high ramparts and are defending their position with strong crossbowmen. Their withdrawal is like a mountain moving, their advance like a tempest. As their food stocks are also plentiful, it will be difficult to defend against them for very long. What should be done?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "A great question indeed! This is not [a problem] of the strength of chariots and cavalry"g but [of having] the plans of a Sage. If you can prepare one thousand chariots and ten thousand cavalry and support them with foot soldiers, you can divide them into five armies, each one traversing a different route. Now if the five armies simultaneously move along five different routes, the enemy will certainly be confused and will not know where to concentrate his efforts. If the enemy fortified his defenses in order to solidify his troops, quickly dispatch spies in order to observe their plans. If they listen to our persuasions, they will abandon their positions and depart. If they do not listen to our persuasions, they will kill our emissaries and burn the treaties. Then divide your forces and engage them in five battles. However, if you win any of the battles do not pursue the retreating enemy. If you do not win then withdraw in extreme haste, thereby feigning a retreat. After reforming, swiftly attack them, with one force tying them up in the front, another cutting off their rear, while two of your armies move silently to the left and right flanks to suddenly attack them. If the five armies strike simultaneously, they will certainly gain the advantage. This is the Way [Tao] for attacking the strong."
Marquis Wu asked: "The enemy is nearby, pressing us. Even if I want to retreat, there is no road. My soldiers are terrified. What can I do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "The technique for dealing with this is as follows. If your troops are numerous and his few, divide them and attack. If, on the contrary, his troops are numerous and yours few, then use improvised measures to harry him, never giving him any rest. Then, even though he is numerous, he can be forced to submit."
Marquis Wu asked: "If I encounter the enemy in a deep valley where gorges and defiles abound to the sides, while his troops are numerous and ours few, what should I do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "Traverse hilly regions, forests, valleys, deep mountains, and vast wetlands quickly, departing from them posthaste. Do not be dilatory. If in high mountains or a deep valley the armies should suddenly encounter each other, you should first beat the drums and set up a clamortaking advantage of it to advance your archers and crossbowmen, both shooting the enemy and taking prisoners. Carefully investigate their degree of control; if they are confused, then attack without doubt."
Marquis Wu asked: "On the left and right are high mountains, while the land is extremely narrow and confined. If when we meet the enemy we dare not attack them yet cannot escape, what shall we do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "This is referred to as `valley warfare.' Even if your troops are numerous, they are useless. Summon your talented officers to confront the enemy, the nimble-footed and the sharpest weapons to be at the forefront. Divide your chariots and array your cavalry, concealing them on all four sides several li apart so that they will not show their weapons. The enemy will certainly assume a solid defensive formation, not daring either to advance or retreat. Thereupon display your flags and array your banners, withdraw outside the mountains, and encamp. The enemy will invariably be frightened, and your chariots and cavalry should then harass them, not permitting them any rest. This is the Way [Tao] for valley warfare."
Marquis Wu asked: "If we encounter the enemy in a vast, watery marsh where the chariot wheels sink down to the point that the shafts are under water; our chariots and cavalry are floundering; and we have not prepared any boats or oars so we cannot advance or retreat, what should we do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "This is referred to as `water warfare.' Do not employ chariots or cavalry, but have them remain on the side. Mount some nearby height and look all about. You must ascertain the water's condition, know its expanse, and fathom its depth. Then you can conceive an unorthodox stratagem [ch'i] for victory. If the enemy begins crossing the water, press them when half have crossed."
Marquis Wu asked: "When it has been continuously raining for a long time so the horses sink into the mire and the chariots are stuck, while we are under enemy attack on all four sides and the Three Armies are terrified, what should I do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "In general desist from employing chariots when the weather is rainy and the land wet, but mobilize them when it is hot and dry. Value high terrain, disdain low ground. When racing your strong chariots, whether advancing or halting, you must adhere to the road. If the enemy arises, be sure to follow their tracks."
Marquis Wu asked: "If a savage raiding force suddenly appears-plundering our lands and fields, seizing our cattle and horses-what should I do?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "When a savage raiding force appears, you must carefully consider its strength and well maintain your defensive posi
tion. Do not respond to their attacks [by going out to engage them]. When they are about to withdraw at the end of the day, their packs will certainly be heavy and their hearts will invariably be afraid. In withdrawing they will concentrate on speed, and inevitably there will be stragglers. You should then pursue and attack them, and their troops can be overcome."
Wu-tzu said: "Now as to the Way [Tao] for attacking the enemy and besieging his cities: After his cities and towns have already been shattered, enter each of the palaces, take control of their bureaucrats, and collect their implements [of administration]. However, wherever your army goes do not cut down the trees, destroy houses, take the grain, slaughter the animals, or burn their supplies. Thus you will show the populace that you do not harbor vicious intentions. Accept those who seek to surrender and settle them."
Marquis Wu asked: "Is making punishments severe and rewards clear adequate for victory?"
Wu Ch'i replied: "As to these matters of severity and clarity I do not have all the answers. Even so, they are not what can be relied on. Now if when you issue commands and promulgate orders the people take pleasure in hearing them; when you raise the army and mobilize the masses the people take pleasure in battle; and when the weapons clash and blades cross the people take pleasure in death, then these three are what a ruler of men can rely on."
Marquis Wu asked: "How does one attain this result?"
Wu Ch'i answered: "You should identify men of accomplishment and honor them with a grand feast while also stimulating those who failed to accomplish anything notable."
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China Page 27