Treatise on Military Preparedness (Vol. 3)

...ty original: "mei" (美), completing the word "beauty" from the previous page's description of "Wealth" producing abundance and Excellence.

Preparation When the military formations are solid, the resources of the land are abundant, and instruction and drills have been constant. It involves selecting and organizing those capable of handling light chariots and light infantry equipment, allowing the commander to respond to events as they suddenly appear.

When bows and arrows provide a solid defense, this is called a Great Army. This means the chariots, infantry, and archers are all proficient; the force is disciplined and quiet, possessing great internal strength. This is what is meant by "Solid."

Formations Maintaining arrays that are careful, dense, and calm. Advancing and retreating based on these is called Abundant Strength. By relying on the inherent solidity of the formation's momentum and observing the proper timing for movement, the army’s internal power is multiplied.

When those in superior positions submit to the discipline of instruction, this is called a Sophisticated Formation. When those in power use their leisure to learn and practice until they are proficient; this frequent mastery is what defines the "sophistication" of their formations.

Functional Roles are what allow for the Assessment of Resources. Every person has a specific duty; through this, resources are distinguished and managed. This is called "Simplified Management"—utilizing capable people to categorize and oversee the various masses. The number of troops is balanced according to the terrain, and formations are ordered according to the specific enemy. This dictates the conduct of attacking, battling, and defending; advancing, retreating, and halting; and the sequence of the front and rear ranks.

The synergy of chariots and infantry is called Combat Coordination. This refers to the method of thoroughly examining and coordinating all variables when facing the enemy.

Disobedience, lack of trust, discord, laziness, doubt, weariness, fear, obstructiveness original: "zhizhu" (枝柱), literally "branch and pillar," meaning to be contrary or create friction, slander, irritability, recklessness, collapse, and sluggishness: these are called Combat Afflictions.

Arrogance, cowardice, moaning, boastfulness, anxiety, dread, preoccupation, and regret: these are called Disruptive Ruin.

Large and small, firm and soft, coordination of units original: "canwu" (參伍), referring to the grouping of soldiers into threes and fives, many and few—in all such pairings, these...