Discourse

If the troops are too eager, they are easily thrown into chaos; if they are too burdened, they become dull; if they are dull, they cannot succeed in their mission. Regarding the Military Forces (Rong Jun): the physical organization and equipment of the army:

The Xiahou Clan (Xia Dynasty) said: "Hook-chariots prioritize proper alignment." Hook-chariots (Gou Che) were likely equipped with lateral hooks to maintain formation or snag enemies; "alignment" refers to keeping the line of battle straight.
The Yin (Shang Dynasty) said: "Tiger-chariots prioritize speed." Original: "寅車" (Yin Che). In the Chinese zodiac, Yin represents the Tiger; these chariots were designed for swift, aggressive movement.
The Zhou Dynasty said: "Great War-chariots prioritize excellence." Original: "元戎" (Yuan Rong), the heavy, high-quality command chariots of the Zhou elite.

Regarding banners: The Xiahou used black tops, representing the governance of people. The Yin used white, representing the Righteousness of Heaven (Tian Zhi Yi). The Zhou used yellow, representing the Way of Earth (Di Zhi Dao).

Regarding insignia: The Xiahou used the sun and moon, valuing brightness. The punctuation marks (circles) in the original text emphasize each character of these symbolic descriptions. The Yin used the tiger, valuing majesty. The Zhou used the dragon, valuing refined pattern. The "refined pattern" (Wen) refers to the sophisticated cultural and social order the Zhou claimed to uphold.

If the army focuses too much on intimidation, the people will be cowed; if there is too little intimidation, the people will not be victorious.

When superiors prevent the people from finding their righteousness, the commoners cannot find their proper place in the social order, tools and skills cannot be used effectively, and even oxen and horses are not given tasks suited to them—all while officials oppress them—this is called "excessive intimidation." When intimidation is excessive, the people are cowed.

When superiors do not honor Virtue (De) but instead employ deceit and wickedness (zha te); when they do not honor the Way (Dao) but instead rely on brute force; when they do not value those who follow orders, but instead use those who violate them; when they do not value good conduct but instead value violent acts; and officials oppress them—this is called "insufficient [discipline]..." The text here ends abruptly, likely continuing on the next page to explain the consequences of a lack of proper military awe.