Wubizhi Volume 82

Drill Practice for Chariots and Vehicles, Part 5

If the battalions original: 哨 Shao; a tactical unit often comprising several squads perform a combined drill, they are divided into four sections. When five regiments original: 營 Ying; a larger military body drill together, the Left and Front units march side-by-side, with their respective Command Staff original: 中軍 Zhongjun; the central command element positioned in the center of their columns. The Center unit marches alone, dividing itself into three sub-units. The Right and Rear units march side-by-side, also with their Command Staff in the center.

For every additional regiment or unit added to the drill, one cannon original: 砲 Pao is fired, one signal rocket original: 起火 Qihuo; a firework-like signal is launched, and one large unit-leading flag original: 領隊大旗 Lingdui Daqi is displayed.

The troops must listen for the metal instruments: the sounding of the drum signals them to stop and stand fast; the sounding of the hand-gong signals them to sit and rest. After a short interval, a cannon is fired and the horn original: 哱囉 Bola; a curved brass horn or conch used for signaling is blown to command them to stand up. The horn is blown again to signal them to mount their horses, and the rhythmic beating of the drums signals them to march forward.

Upon reaching the center of the drill ground original: 教場 Jiaochang, the scouts original: 塘馬 Tangma; courier or reconnaissance riders who maintained communication lines holding small yellow flags circle the formation on horseback. The Command Staff then fires one cannon and blows the formation-ordering trumpets original: 擺隊伍喇叭 Baiduiwu Laba.

If a single unit sets up camp, the Left and Right divisions form the outer perimeter. The two squads of the Middle division, positioned at the front and rear, pull inward and separate in the center to form the inner camp original: 子營 Ziying; literally a "child camp," a secure inner enclosure for commanders or supplies. The personnel serving under the commander's standard original: 標下 Biaoxia await orders to be deployed for sentry or support duties. If three units set up camp, one unit is designated as the inner camp, while the other two The text cuts off here, likely continuing the description of the outer perimeter for a three-unit camp on the next page.