Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

by Shawn Conners

  人们都有了求胜之心，这时就应该着重研究敌情是否能打。人们都有畏惧之心，这时就应着重研究他们是畏惧什么？把求胜之心和畏惧之心都研究清楚，把两方面的利害关系看待如一。而对这两方面情况的掌握，就全在于将帅的权衡。

  Troop Size

  In general, in warfare: using small troops against the enemy's troops is dangerous. Using large troops against the enemy's large troops does not guarantee victory. Using small troops against the enemy’s large troops is asking for failure. Using large troops against small troops can achieve swift victory. Thus war is also a comparison of strength and numbers.

  一般作战：使用小部队对敌小部队可能有危险，使用大部队对敌大部队就可能不成功，使用小部队对敌大部队就要失败，使用大部队对敌小部队就要迅速决战，所以作战是双方兵力的对比和较量。

  Encamped, On the Move, In Battle

  When in encampment, be careful about the weapons and armors. When on the move, be cautious about the rows and files. When in battle, be careful about when to advance or stop.

  驻军时要注意严整战备，行军时要注意行列整齐，作战时要注意进止有节。

  Respecting Troops

  In general, in warfare: if you respect the troops, the troops will be satisfied. If you lead in person, they will follow. When orders are not organized and clear, the troops will disregard the orders given and act on their own. If orders are issued in proper measure, they will be seriously regarded. When the drumbeat is rapid, troops will move swiftly. When the drumbeat is more measured, troops will advance in measured steps. When their uniforms are light, they will feel agile. If their uniforms are heavy, they will feel stalwart.

  凡是作战，将帅恭敬待下就会让士兵满意，以身作则就能服众。上级政令烦杂士兵就会轻率行动，政令有间歇讲节制战士就能遇事持重。进攻时击鼓迅急就是号令疾速前进，击鼓舒缓则是号令缓攻徐进。服饰轻而薄将士行动就会便捷，服饰厚且重将士行动就迟钝。

  From Small to Big

  When the horses and chariots are sturdy, the armor and weapons are strong, then even a small force can perform like a big force.

  只要马健康、兵车坚固，甲胄兵器精良，虽是小部队也能起大部队的作用。

  Bad Characteristics of a General

  If the general has the same knowledge and wisdom as his troops, they will not be able to achieve results. If the general always insists on his own decisions, a lot of his troops will be sacrificed. If the general is scared of death and not courageous, his troops will have many doubts. If the general fights without strategizing, he will not be victorious.

  主将见识与众人同等，就不会取得战功。主将一味专横独断，战士就会多牺牲。主将贪生怕死，缺乏勇气，部下就会疑虑重重。主将只知拼死蛮战，有勇无谋，就不能夺取战争的胜利。

  Some Causes of Death

  In general, men will die for love and gratitude, out of anger, out of fear of military greatness or authority, for righteousness or greed. Thus in warfare, laws can regulate men, making them regard death lightly. Moral and a righteous cause can make men willing to die for righteousness.

  人们有为感恩而效死的，有因激怒而拼死的，有被威逼而拼死的，有因仗义而效死的，有因贪利而拼死的。一般作战，用法令约束人，只能使人们不敢怕死，用道义感动人，才能使人们愿意为正义而死。

  Timing, Terrain & Popular Support

  In warfare, whether one wins or loses depends on whether he has the correct timing, in the right terrain and gains popular support.

  一般作战。或者胜利，或者失败，都取决于是否顺应天时，顺应人心。

  Alertness

  In warfare, the whole army should not be on alert for more than three days; a single company should not be on alert for more than half of a day, and the guard duty of a single soldier should not exceed one rest period.

  凡是战时，对三军的告诫命令不要超过三天，对兵众的警戒训令不要超过半天，对一人的禁卫职务不可超过一息时间。

  Strategic Attack vs. Physical Attack

  During war, strategic attack is the best way to achieve victory. Next is physical attack. The general should know the war situation well and pay attention to details. This is to allow him to decide whether a strategic attack or a physical attack can achieve victory. This is a question that the general needs to contemplate.

  进行战争，最好的方法是用谋略取胜，其次才是用攻战取胜。将帅必须掌握全局的形势，抓住具体环节，[以决定]是用谋略取胜还是以攻战取胜，这是作战时应该权衡的问题。

  Unity and Victory

  Regarding victory, when the whole army unites as one, victory can be achieved.

  凡是胜利，都是由于全军团结得象一个人，才能取得。

  Drums and Drumbeats

  In warfare, for drums, there are drums that direct the deployment of flags and pennants; drums for advancing the chariots, drums for war horses, drums for directing infantry, drums for taking over, drums for organizing or forming formations, drums for standing and sitting. All seven should be prepared.

  一般指挥部队的鼓点，有命令旗帜开合的，有命令兵车驰驱的，有命令战马奔驰的，有命令步兵前进的，有命令交兵接刃的，有命整齐队形的，有命令起坐行动的。这七种鼓点都必须规定齐全。

  Strength in Formation and Numbers

  In warfare, when the formation is already solid, do not make it more solid. When you have numerical advantage, do not commit all of them to attack. Committing all of them to attack will endanger the effort.

  凡是作战，已经坚固的阵容不要再加强。即使兵力雄厚、进攻时也不要把力量一次用尽，凡是把力量用尽了的都很危险。

  Using Formations

  In warfare, it is not the forming of a battle formation that is difficult; it is the point in which that the men can be ordered into a formation fast that is difficult. It is not the point in which that the men can be ordered into a formation fast that is difficult, it is the ability of the men to exercise flexibility in using formation that is difficult. All in all, it is not the knowledge of formation that is difficult, it is the appropriate implementation of the formations that is difficult.

  一般作战；不是布阵难，而是使吏卒熟习阵法难。不是使吏卒熟习阵法难，而是使他们灵活运用难。总之，不是懂得阵法难，而是实际运用难。

  Character and Culture

  All men have their own nature, and nature can differ from region to region. Through teaching, these natures can become part of the culture. Culture differs from region to region. Through moral teaching, these cultures can come together.

  各地的人各有其性格，性格随各州而不同。教化可以形成习俗，习俗也是各州不同。通过道德的教化就能统一习俗。

  Basic Principles to Achieve Victory

  In warfare, whether the troops are numerous or few, even though they have attained victory, they should act as if they have not achieved it. A general that does not require the weapons to be sharp, armor to be strong, chariots to be sturdy, horses to be strong or troops to be expanded have not acknowledged the basic principles to achieve victory

  不论兵力大小，打了胜仗要和没有打胜仗一样不骄不懈。凡是不讲求兵器锋利，不讲求盔甲坚韧，不讲求车辆牢固，不讲求马匹良好，不努力扩充兵员，都是没有掌握打胜仗的道理。

  Crediting Victory and Assuming Blame

  In warfare, if you are victorious, share the achievement and praise with the troops. If about to re-engage in battle, make the rewards exceptionally generous, and the punishments heavier. If you failed to achieve victory, accept the blame yourself. If you fight again, assume a leading position and do
not repeat the tactics used last time. Whether you win or not, do not deviate from this principle for it is the “True Principle”.

  凡是作战，胜利了要与众人分享荣誉。如果还要再进行战斗，就要着重赏罚。假使没有取得胜利，就要把错误归于自己。再战时，要决心身先士卒，不重复使用上次的战法。无论胜败都不要违反这个原则，因为这是正确的原则。

  Treating the Population

  With regard to people, rescue them from suffering with benevolence; engage them in battle with righteousness; make judgment with wisdom; fight with courage; lead them through credibility; encourage them with profits, and gain victory through honors. Thus the leader must embody benevolence and his actions accord with righteousness. He must make decisions wisely, be courageous in handling big matters and rule the state with credibility. If the leader is humble and friendly, his people will be deferential. If the leader attributes failings to himself, the people will follow the ways of previous wise people, following their principles. When the hearts of the population are won and they are happy, they will give their best for the state.

  对所有的国民百姓。执政者要用仁爱去解救他们的苦难，用忠义去激发他们为国而战，用智慧判断他们的功过，用勇敢来率领他们去战斗，用诚信来使他们志向专一，用财富来勉励他们去效力，用功勋来鼓舞他们去取胜。所以执政者的心志要合乎仁爱，行为要合乎道义。掌管万物要靠智慧，处理大事要靠勇气，使国家长治久安要靠诚信。为政谦逊而和蔼，人心自然就融洽了；把过错的责任留给自己来承担，使民众取法前贤，以为处世之准则；悦服民众之心，使他们乐于为国效力。

  To Attack or Avoid the Enemy

  In warfare, attack the weak and quiet, avoid the strong and quiet. Attack the tired, avoid the well trained and alert. Attack those who are very afraid, avoid those who are alert. Since antiquity these have been the rules governing the army.

  凡战，击其微静，避其强静；击其疲劳，避其闲窕；击其大惧，避其小惧，自古之政也。

  Chapter 5 - Employing Masses

  Employing Large or Small Forces

  In warfare, when you employ a small number, their defense should be solid. When you employ a large mass they must be well-ordered. With a small force it is advantageous to win using Indirect methods; with a large mass, it is advantageous to use Direct tactics. When employing a large mass, they must be able to advance and stop; when employing a small number, they must be able to advance and withdraw. If your large mass encounters a small enemy force, surround them at a distance but leave one side open. Conversely, if you divide your forces and attack in turn, a small force can withstand a large mass. If their masses are beset by uncertainty, you should take advantage of it. If you are attacking an enemy occupying a strategic position, abandon your flags as if in flight, and when the enemy attacks, turn around to mount a counterattack. If the enemy is vast, then concentrate your force and let them surround you. If the enemy is fewer and fearful, avoid them at the moment and attack when opportunity arises.

  指挥作战的要领，兵力弱小应力求营阵巩固，兵力强大，应力求严整不乱。兵力弱小利于变化莫测出奇制胜，兵力强大利于正规作战。兵力强大要能进能止[稳重如山]，兵力弱小要能进能退[出没无常]。用优势兵力与劣势敌人交战，应从远处形成包围并留个缺口”让他溃逃”。分批轮番攻击敌人，就要以少战多。用拐势兵力对付优势敌人，就要虚张声势迷惑敌人，采用出敌意外的方法争取胜利。如果敌人已占据了有利地形，就卷起军旗，假装败退引诱它出来，然后反击它。如果敌人兵力很多，应当察明情况并准备在被围攻的情况下作战。如果敌人兵少并害怕被灭，就应先退让一步，然后乘隙消灭它。

  Movement of Troops

  In warfare, keep the wind to your back, the mountains behind, heights on the right and defiles on the left. Pass through wetlands, cross over damaged roads. Select camping ground that is configured like a turtle's back.

  凡是作战，要背着风向背靠高地，右边依托高地左边依靠险要，遇着沼泽地和崩塌地要迅速通过，宿营要选择四面有险可守、中间较高的地形。

  After Deployment

  In warfare, after deployment, observe the enemy’s actions. Watch the enemy and then initiate movement. If they are waiting for our attack, then act accordingly. Do not drum the advance, but wait for the moment when their masses arise. If they attack, concentrate your forces and attack his weakness.

  一般作战，先摆好阵势，不忙于作战，看敌人怎样行动，再采取相应的行动。如果发现敌人已准备好圈套，等待我去中它的计，为了适应这种情况，就暂不发起进攻，而等待观察敌人主力的行动。如果敌人进攻，就集中兵力看准敌人的破绽去打击它。

  Testing the Enemy

  In warfare, employ large and small numbers to observe their tactical variations; advance and retreat to probe the solidity of their defenses. Endanger them to observe their fears. Be tranquil to observe if they become lax. Move to observe if they have doubts. Mount a surprise attack to see their discipline. Mount a strike when they are in doubt. Attack when they are unprepared, so they are not able to fight with full strength. Attack his well-ordered formation to break down his deployment. Use their failure to attack them, preventing them from executing their strategies, forcing them to abandon them, and when they are fearful, attack them.

  一般作战，应使用或多或少的兵力去试探敌人，以观察它的变化。用忽进忽退的行动，以观察它的阵势是否稳固；迫近威胁敌人，看它是否恐惧；按兵不动，看它是否 懈怠；进行佯动，看它是否疑感；突然教击，看它阵容是否整治。在敌人犹豫不决的时候打击它，乘敌人仓卒无备的时候选攻它，使敌人战斗力无法施展。袭击敌人并打乱它的部署，利用敌人冒险轻进的错误，阻止它实现其企图，粉碎它既定的计划，乘它军心恐惧时歼灭它。

  Chasing the Enemy

  In warfare, when pursuing an enemy, do not rest. If some of the enemy stops on the road, be wary.

  凡是追击溃败的敌人，一定不要停息，敌人如果在中途停止，就要慎重考虑它的企图。

  Planning Attack and Retreat

  In warfare, when nearing an enemy's city, you must have a route of attack; when about to withdraw, you must ponder the retreat route.

  凡是迫近敌人都城的时候，一定要先研究好进军的道路。退却的时侯，也一定要预先考虑好后退的方案。

  Timing and Resting

  In warfare, if you move too early, you will be exhausted easily; if you move too late, the men may be afraid. If focused on resting the men, the men would become lax, if you do not rest the men, they will be exhausted; yet if the men are allowed to rest too long, they may become afraid.

  凡是作战，行动过早易使兵力疲惫，行动过迟易使军心畏怯，只注意休息会使军队懈怠，总不休息必然使军队疲困，但是休息久了，反而会产生怯战心理。

  Troop Administration

  Writing letters to families should be forbidden, this is to break focus on all the small troubles of life. Select the best and equip them with weapons; this is to increase the strength of the troops. Abandoning armor and carrying minimal rations, this is to motivate the troops. From antiquity, this has been the administration of troops.

  禁绝士卒和亲人通信，以断绝他们思家的念头。选拔优秀人才，授予兵器，以提高军队的战斗力。舍弃笨重装备，少带粮食，以激发士卒死战的决心。这些，都是从古以来治军作战的方法。

  The Book of Wuzi

  Wu Qi

  吴子

  The Book of Wuzi (吴子) is attributed to Wu Qi. It is also sometimes referred to as The Wuzi or The Book of Wu Qi. In an ongoing dialogue, Lord Wen of Wei (魏文侯) and his son, Lord Wu of
Wei (魏武侯) asked Master Wu Qi questions about war theory, strategy, exploiting the terrain to best advantage, and handling unexpected situations. It is believed to have been written during the middle of the Warring States period (c. 5th century BCE).[10]

  Part 1

  Introduction - Strengthening the Nation

  Need for Strengthening Domestic and External Issues

  Wearing the attire of a Confucian scholar, Wu Qi attended an audience with Lord Wen of Wei to discuss military matters. At the outset of the audience, Lord Wen of Wei announced, “I do not have much interest in military matters.”

  Wu Qi replied, “From plain visible facts, I can deduce the hidden. From the past, I may foretell the future. How can your Lordship sincerely say that he has no interest in this subject?

  “All through the four seasons, you have gathered the skins of wild animals, covered them with lacquer, painted them with colors and embellished them with glistening images of rhinoceros and elephants. Wearing these in winter does not keep one warm; wearing them in summer does not make one cool. Further, my Lord has ordered the making of twelve and twenty four feet long halberds, and has had the chariots covered in leather. These chariots are not grand and beautiful for ceremonies. These chariots are not mobile enough for hunting. If they are to not be used for war, I have no idea what use you might have for them. Your Lordship, however, does not seek capable people who are adept in using them. As such, it is similar to a nesting hen fighting against the fox, or a puppy fighting a tiger: although they have great fighting spirit, they will still perish.

  “In times past, the Lord of the Cheng Sang Clan concentrated on improving the culture and domestic issues but neglected military matters, thereby leading to the extinction of the state. The Lord of the Yu Hu Clan was belligerent, thus he concentrated only on military matters and neglected domestic matters. He also led his state to extinction.