Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 3: Military Strategy Review

Wei Liaozi: Combat Authority

Effective instruction depends solely on preparation; combat depends solely on control.

The general is the body; the soldiers are the limbs; the five-man squads are the fingers and thumbs. Only through preparation and control can they function in this unified manner.

In all warfare:

• Strategy relies on wisdom.
• Fighting relies on courage.
• Formations rely on skill.

Utilize what the enemy desires original: "yu" (欲), suggesting using bait or luring the enemy with what they want, perform what you are capable of, and neutralize what the enemy desires or is capable of. If the enemy attempts to do the same to us, we must in turn neutralize their efforts.

In all warfare, there is Heaven, there is Wealth, and there is Excellence.

Heaven refers to times and days that are fixed and unshifting, victory foretold by the tortoise shell referring to plastromancy, the ancient practice of divining the future by heating tortoise shells and interpreting the cracks, and secret movements. This is called possessing the favor of Heaven; it means establishing the proper timing and interpreting the omens.

Wealth refers to the masses. By relying on their collective strength, beauty and abundance are produced. It also means the actions of the masses are subtle and meticulous.

Excellence refers to the masses practicing formations and mastering the utility of equipment through preparation. training the people

When one relies on wealth to produce beautiful results, and the people strive to fulfill their responsibilities, they are called "willing people." When people strive in their duties, employing the advantages of battle formations to their limit, and the people strive to fulfill their responsibilities, they are called "willing people"; thus, one attains the right people.

When the weaponry and equipment are all prepared, and the people strive to fulfill their responsibilities, they are called "willing people"; thus, one attains the people.

A great army is solidified by its power; when faced with many tasks, it handles them with simplicity and refinement. Responding to events as they arise is called Conduct.