Treatise on Martial Tranquility: Volume 2

Page 5

[The general] leads by example. Therefore, his troops are the most powerful in the world. The Military Prophecies Jun Chen (軍讖): A lost ancient military text frequently cited in the "Three Strategies of Huang Shigong" as an ultimate authority on discipline say: "The army uses rewards as its exterior and punishments as its interior."

When the exterior and interior are established, and rewards and punishments are clear, the general's authority will be exercised. If the right men are appointed, the soldiers will obey. This speaks of the proper sequence of command. If those appointed are worthy, the enemy states will be afraid. The Military Prophecies say: "Wherever the worthy go, they have no rival before them."

Both the sovereign and the general should engrave this on their hearts

Therefore, soldiers should be treated with humility original: "下" (xia); meaning the general humbles himself to care for the troops' needs but must not be allowed to become arrogant. The general should be kept cheerful and not be burdened with worry. Strategy should be deep but must not be plagued by doubt.

If soldiers are arrogant, those below will not be submissive. If the general is worried, those inside and outside the command will not trust one another. If strategy is doubtful, then enemy states will be emboldened. To attack under such conditions is to invite chaos.

Now, the general is the life-breath of the state. If the general can achieve victory, the state will be stable and peaceful. The Military Prophecies say: "A general must be capable of purity, of stillness, of fairness, and of order; he must be able to accept criticism, to hear legal disputes, to welcome people, and to adopt suggestions; he must know the local customs Guo su (國俗): The specific habits, taboos, and traditions of the people in a given region, be able to map the mountains and rivers, identify hazards and difficulties, and exercise military authority."

Therefore it is said: The wisdom of the benevolent and worthy is sagely and brilliant.