Strict Positions, Part 4

The methods of governing the army are fully contained here.

This chapter is summarized in five characters.

The Way of Combat.

The text of this chapter is very obscure; one should contemplate its meaning in great detail.

The instruction on "not looking" is ingenious.

Strict Positions, Part 4

In all methods of combat: positions must be strict solemn and orderly; governance must be awe-inspiring inspiring a disciplined trembling; force must be agile light and finding the gaps; the spirit must be calm.

In all methods of combat: rank the principles of righteousness differentiate the various levels of duty; establish the squads and five-man units; fix the rows and files; rectify the vertical and horizontal alignments; examine the names and the realities A classic Chinese philosophical concept (ming-shi): ensuring that a soldier's title or rank matches their actual skills and actions.. Standing to advance—this is leaning forward advancing from a standing position. Sitting to advance—this is kneeling advancing from a seated position. Kneel upon the feet.

If the troops are fearful, then keep the formation dense if they fear the enemy, keep them close together. Deploy in formation to wait for them. If in danger, then have them sit in moments of great peril, have them crouch or sit to wait. Command them so that they can easily rise. When looking at those far away,

the masses will not feel fear by looking far, the crowd does not dwell on immediate danger. As for those nearby: do not look at them, and they will not scatter not looking at the chaos close at hand. If they do not look at what is near,

then the positions of the masses will be humbled This implies a state of submission and focus on the command rather than individual panic.. The left in military matters, the right is the position of honor and the army's right. Below. Armored soldiers the right is the position of honor those wearing armor are stationed on the right.

Regarding this: look while sitting. Walk slowly kneel while taking the oath of caution. The positions reach down to the infantry, the armored soldiers, and the tallies the laws of positioning reach down to the lowest ranks to the foot soldiers and the armored troops.

Movement must be slow and deliberate.

The "tallies" (chou) refers to the counting sticks or tokens used for logistics, signaling, or keeping track of troop numbers.