Wubei Zhi (Vol. 32)

Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 29: System of Formations and Drills — Training with Flags

Rules for the Drill Ground

Previously, at the sounding of the first signal, all soldiers and officers alike prepare their food; the time allowed is based on the period it takes to cook and finish the meal.

Upon the sounding of the second signal, each soldier prepares his horse, gathers his military equipment, and proceeds to the drill ground original: 教塲 Jiaochang, the designated area for military training and assemblies to form into ranks and files.

Upon the sounding of the third signal, the commanding general emerges and arrives at the drill ground. The Adjutant original: 中軍官 Zhongjunguan, the officer in charge of the headquarters and communicating the general’s orders reports for permission to fire the "Taking the Command Seat" cannon, perform the ritual Hall Shout original: 喊堂 Hantang, a synchronized shout by attendants to signal the start of formal proceedings, and open the main camp gates. He then reports for permission to raise the flags. The command flag and the observation flag are raised together. If the army is in the field outside of a permanent camp, only the observation flag is raised. Staff officers and subordinates first come forward to pay their respects and then return to their stations.

The Adjutant then reports for permission to sound the signal horn and flute to gather the officers and flag-bearers to listen to the day's orders. The observation flag is rotated once toward the left, right, front, and back. The officer flags use hand-held flags in front of the field, which are turned already.

Next, the cavalry assemble, followed by the chariot troops, and finally the infantry. Every leader from the rank of Squad Leader original: 隊長 Duizhang, the leader of a basic unit of 10 to 12 men and above must attend. In urgent matters, generally all Flag Leaders original: 旗總 Qizong, a commander over approximately 50 men and above, along with Squad Leaders and file guards, proceed to the base of the command platform and stand still. When the flutes stop, the Adjutant transmits the order: "Officers and flags, come forward and assemble in an orderly fashion."