Treatise on Military Preparedness (Vol. 3)

Ritual Implements, Measures of this, Records of the Jiang

This is what is called Combat Authority In all matters, one must grasp both extremes and weigh them to find the middle path.

In all combat, when the distance is vast Use reconnaissance to observe the lines of communication. Investigate them to observe these lines Observe and wait to act according to the timing. Follow the timing, follow the heavens, follow the resources, and follow the circumstances.

Consolidation. When fullness is reached, prize trust and loathe doubt; this is the Justice of the Military Rouse their spirits. Act when the time is right Adapt actions to suit the circumstances and ensure the people receive your benevolence.

When observing the enemy, remain still; when observing disorder, remain at ease. When the army is startled or in chaos, it is proper to project an air of leisure to stabilize them. When facing danger or hardship, never forget the masses It is unacceptable to abandon or forget them.

While dwelling in the state, be benevolent and trustworthy; while in the army, be expansive and martial. Be magnanimous. At the edge of the blade, be decisive and swift. This refers to the use of weapons and swords.

For soldiers in close contact: in the state, there must be harmony; in the army, there must be law Strict regulations and standards. At the blade, there must be clear observation In all matters, maintain clear-sightedness.

Be courageous and agile. In the state, display virtue; in the army, display methods One must see and know the proper direction. At the blade, display trustworthiness.

In all formations, the marching lines should be spacious The ranks should be spaced clearly to facilitate striking and stabbing. In actual combat, the formation should be dense Fighting in close, thorough coordination so that the army's strength becomes unified. Weapons should be varied Diverse. When long and short weapons are mixed together, the formation is difficult to overcome.

The instruction of men should be thorough Teaching them to be calm and steady so they are loyal, solid, and quiet; this leads to order. Calmness results in proper regulation. Thus, their majesty and effectiveness will be manifest. Majestic and stern.

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**Technical