The T'ai Kung said: "In general, the Way to employ the military, the masses of the Three Armies, must be to have the changes of dividing and reunit- ing.9S The commanding general should first set the place and day for battle, then issue full directives and particulars to the generals and commanders setting the time, indicating whether to attack cities or besiege towns, and where each should assemble. [He should] clearly instruct them about the day for battle and even the quarter hour by the water clock. The commanding general should then establish his encampment, array his battle lines, put up a gnomon and the official gate, clear the road, and wait. When all the generals and commanders have arrived, compare their arrival [with the designated time]. Those who arrived before the appointed time should be rewarded. Those who arrived afterward should be executed. In this way both the near and distant will race to assemble, and the Three Armies will arrive together, uniting their strength to engage in the battle."
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "In general, when employing the army it is essential to have military chariots, courageous cavalry, a first-assault wave, a hand-picked vanguard, and then a perceived opportunity to strike the enemy. In which situations can we strike?"
The T'ai Kung said: "Anyone who wants to launch a strike should carefully scrutinize and investigate fourteen changes in the enemy. When [any of] these changes becomes visible, attack, for the enemy will certainly be defeated."
King Wu asked: "May I hear about these fourteen changes?"
The T'ai Kung said: "When the enemy has begun to assemble they can be attacked.
"When the men and horses have not yet been fed they can be attacked.
"When the seasonal or weather conditions are not advantageous to them they can be attacked.
"When they have not secured good terrain they can be attacked.
"When they are fleeing they can be attacked.
"When they are not vigilant they can be attacked.
"When they are tired and exhausted they can be attacked.
"When the general is absent from the officers and troops they can be attacked.
"When they are traversing long roads they can be attacked.
"When they are fording rivers they can be attacked.
"When the troops have not had any leisure time they can be attacked.
"When they encounter the difficulty of precipitous ravines or are on narrow roads they can be attacked.
"When their battle array is in disorder they can be attacked.
"When they are afraid they can be attacked."
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "What is the Way to select warriors?"
The T'ai Kung replied: "Within the army there will be men with great courage and strength who are willing to die and even take pleasure in suffering wounds. They should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Who Risk the Naked Blade.'
"Those who have fierce ch'i, who are robust and courageous, strong and explosive, should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Who Penetrate the Lines.'
"Those who are extraordinary in appearance, who bear long swords and advance with measured tread in good order should be assembled into a company and called `Courageous, Elite Warriors.'
"Those who can jump well, straighten iron hooks, are powerful, have great strength, and can scatter and smash the gongs and drums [and] destroy the flags and pennants should be assembled into a company and called 'Warriors of Courage and Strength.'
"Those who can scale heights and cover great distances, who are light of foot and excel at running should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors of the Invading Army.'
"Those who, while serving the ruler, lost their authority and want to again display their merit should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Who Fight to the Death.'
"Those who are relatives of slain generals, the sons or brothers of generals, who want to avenge their deaths, should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Who Are Angry unto Death.'
"Those who are lowly, poor, and angry, who want to satisfy their desires, should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Committed to Death.'
"Adopted sons96 and slaves, who want to cover up their pasts and achieve fame, should be assembled into a company and called the `Incited Dispirited.'
"Those who have been imprisoned and then spared corporeal punishment, who want to escape from their shame, should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Fortunate to Be Used.'
"Those who combine skill and technique, who can bear heavy burdens for long distances, should be assembled into a company and called `Warriors Awaiting Orders.'
"These are the army's selected warriors. You cannot neglect their examination."
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "When we assemble the masses of the Three Armies and want to have the officers and men assimilate and become prac- ticed98 in the Way for teaching combat, how should we proceed?"
The T'ai Kung said: "For leading the Three Armies you must have the constraints of the gongs and drums by which to order and assemble the officers and masses. The generals should clearly instruct the commanders and officers, explaining the orders three times-thereby teaching them the use of weapons, mobilization, and stopping, all to be in accord with the method for changing the flags and signal pennants.
"Thus when teaching the commanders and officers, one man who has completed his study of combat instructions will extend" them to ten men. Ten men who have completed their study of combat instructions will extend them to one hundred men. One hundred men who have completed their study of combat instructions will extend them to one thousand men. One thousand men who have completed their study of combat instructions will extend them to ten thousand men. Ten thousand men who have completed their study of combat instructions will extend them to the masses of the Three Armies.
"When the methods of large-scale warfare are successfully taught, they will be extended to the masses of millions. In this fashion you will be able to realize a Great Army and establish your awesomeness throughout the realm."
"Excellent," said King Wu.
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "When chariots and infantry engage in battle, one chariot is equivalent to how many infantrymen? How many infantrymen are equivalent to one chariot? When cavalry and infantry engage in battle, one cavalryman is equivalent to how many infantrymen? How many infantrymen are equivalent to one cavalryman? When chariots and cavalry engage in battle, one chariot is equivalent to how many cavalrymen? How many cavalrymen are equivalent to one chariot?"100
The T'ai Kung said: "Chariots are the feathers and wings of the army, the means to penetrate solid formations, to press strong enemies, and to cut off their flight. Cavalry are the army's fleet observers, the means to pursue a defeated army, to sever supply lines, to strike roving forces.
"Thus when chariots and cavalry are not engaged in battle with the enemy, one cavalryman is not able to equal one foot soldier. However, after the masses of the Three Armies have been arrayed in opposition to the enemy, when fighting on easy terrain the rule is that one chariot is equivalent to eighty infantrymen, and eighty infantrymen are equivalent to one chariot. One cavalryman is equivalent to eight infantrymen; eight infantrymen are equivalent to one cavalryman. One chariot is equivalent to ten cavalrymen; ten cavalrymen are equivalent to one chariot.
"The rule for fighting on difficult terrain is that one chariot is equivalent to forty infantrymen, and forty infantrymen are equivalent to one chariot. One cavalryman is equivalent to four infantrymen; four infantrymen are equivalent to one cavalryman. One chariot is equivalent to six cavalrymen; six cavalrymen are equivalent to one chariot.
"Now chariots and cavalry are the army's martial weapons. Ten chariots can defeat one thousand men; one hundred chariots can defeat ten thousand men. Ten cavalrymen can drive off one hundred men, and one hundred cavalrymen can run off one thousand men. These are the approximate numbers."
King Wu asked: "What are the numbers for chariot and cavalry officers and their formations?"
The T'ai Kung said: "For the chariots-a leader for five chariots, a captain for fifteen, a commander for fifty, and a general for one hundred.
"For battle on easy terrain five chariots comprise one line. The lines are forty paces apart, the chariots from left to right ten paces apart, with detachments sixty paces apart. On difficult terrain the chariots must follow the roads, with ten comprising a company and twenty a regiment.101 Front to rear spacing should be twenty paces, left to right six paces, with detachments thirty-six paces apart. For five chariots there is one leader. If they venture off the road more than a li in any direction, they should return to the original road.
"As for the number of officers in the cavalry: a leader for five men; a captain for ten; a commander for one hundred; a general for two hundred.
"The rule for fighting on easy terrain: Five cavalrymen will form one line, and front to back their lines should be separated by twenty paces, left to right four paces, with fifty paces between detachments.
"On difficult terrain the rule is front to back, ten paces; left to right, two paces; between detachments, twenty-five paces. Thirty cavalrymen comprise a company; sixty form a regiment. For ten cavalrymen there is a captain. [In action] they should not range more than one hundred paces, after which they should circle back and return to their original positions."
"Excellent," said King Wu.
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "How does one select warriors for the chariots?"
The T'ai Kung said: "The rule for selecting warriors for the chariots is to pick men under forty years of age, seven feet five inches102 or taller, whose running ability is such that they can pursue a galloping horse, race up to it, mount it, and ride it forward and back, left and right, up and down, all around. They should be able to quickly furl up the flags and pennants and have the strength to fully draw an eight-picul crossbow. They should practice shooting front and back, left and right, until thoroughly skilled. They are termed `Martial Chariot Warriors.' You cannot but be generous to them."
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "How do you select warriors for the cavalry?"
The T'ai Kung said: "The rule for selecting cavalry warriors is to take those under forty, who are at least seven feet five inches tall, strong and quick, who surpass the average. Men who, while racing a horse, can fully draw a bow and shoot. Men who can gallop forward and back, left and right, and all around, both advancing and withdrawing. Men who can jump over moats and ditches, ascend hills and mounds, gallop through narrow confines, cross large marshes, and race into a strong enemy, causing chaos among their masses. They are called `Martial Cavalry Warriors.' You cannot but be generous to them."
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "What about battle chariots?"
The T'ai Kung responded: "The infantry values knowing changes and movement; the chariots value knowing the terrain's configuration; the cavalry values knowing the side roads and the unorthodox [ch'i] Way. Thus these three armies bear the same name, but their employment differs.
"In general, in chariot battles there are ten types of terrain on which death is likely and eight on which victory can be achieved."
King Wu asked: "What are the ten fatal terrains103 like?"
The T'ai Kung replied: "If after advancing there is no way to withdraw, this is fatal terrain for chariots.
"Passing beyond narrow defiles to pursue the enemy some distance, this is terrain which will exhaust the chariots.
"When the land in front makes advancing easy, while that to the rear is treacherous, this is terrain that will cause hardship for the chariots.
"Penetrating into narrow and obstructed areas from which escape will be difficult, this is terrain on which the chariots may be cut off.
"If the land is collapsing, sinking, and marshy, with black mud sticking to everything, this is terrain which will labor the chariots.
"To the left is precipitous while to the right is easy, with high mounds and sharp hills. This is terrain contrary to [the use of] chariots.
"Luxuriant grass runs through the fields, and there are deep, watery channels throughout. This is terrain which thwarts [the use] of chariots.
"When the chariots are few in number, the land easy, and one is not confronted by enemy infantry, this is terrain on which the chariots may be defeated.
"To the rear are water-filled ravines and ditches, to the left deep water, and to the right steep hills. This is terrain on which chariots are destroyed.
"It has been raining day and night for more than ten days without stopping. The roads have collapsed so that it's not possible to advance or to escape to the rear. This is terrain which will sink the chariots.
"These ten are deadly terrain for chariots. Thus they are the means by which the stupid general will be captured and the wise general will be able to escape."
King Wu asked: "What about the eight conditions of terrain104 that result in victory?"
The T'ai Kung replied: "When the enemy's ranks-front and rear-are not yet settled, strike into them.
"When their flags and pennants are in chaos, their men and horses frequently shifting about, then strike into them.
"When some of their officers and troops advance while others retreat; when some move to the left, others to the right, then strike into them.
"When their battle array is not yet solid, while their officers and troops are looking around at each other, then strike into them.
"When in advancing they appear full of doubt, and in withdrawing they are fearful, strike into them.
"When the enemy's Three Armies are suddenly frightened, all of them rising up in great confusion, strike into them.
"When you are fighting on easy terrain and twilight has come without being able to disengage from the battle, then strike into them.
"When, after traveling far, at dusk they are encamping and their Three Armies are terrified, strike into them.
"These eight constitute conditions1 ' in which the chariots will be victorious.
"If the general is clear about these ten injurious conditions and eight victorious possibilities, then even if the enemy surrounds him on all sides-attacking with one thousand chariots and ten thousand cavalry-he will be able to gallop to the front and race to the sides and in ten thousand battles invariably be victorious."
"Excellent," said King Wu.
King Wu asked the T'ai Kung: "How should we employ the cavalry in battle?"
The T'ai Kung said: "For the cavalry there are ten [situations that can produce] victory and nine [that will result in] defeat."
King Wu asked: "What are the ten [situations that can produce] victory?"
The T'ai Kung replied: "When the enemy first arrives and their lines and deployment are not yet settled, the front and rear not yet united, then strike into their forward cavalry, attack the left and right flanks. The enemy will certainly flee.
"When the enemy's lines and deployment are well-ordered and solid, while their officers and troops want to fight, our cavalry should outflank them but not go far off. Some should race away, some race forward. Their speed should be like the wind, their explosiveness like thunder, so that the daylight becomes as murky as dusk. Change our flags and pennants several times; also change our uniforms. Then their army can be conquered.
"When the enemy's lines and deployment are not solid, while their officers and troops will not fight, press upon them both front and rear, make sudden thrusts on their left and right. Outflank and strike them, and the enemy will certainly be afraid.
"When, at sunset, the enemy wants to return to camp106 and their Three Armies are terrified, if we can outflank them on both sides, urgently strike their rear, pressing the entrance to their fortifications, not allowing them to go in. The enemy will certainly be defeated.
"When the enemy, although lacking the advantages of ravines and defiles for securing their defenses, has penetrated deeply and ranged widely into distant territory, if we sever their supply lines they will certainly be hungry.
"When the land is leve
l and easy and we see enemy cavalry approaching from all four sides, if we have our chariots and cavalry strike into them, they will certainly become disordered.
"When the enemy runs off in flight, their officers and troops scattered and in chaos, if some of our cavalry outflank them on both sides while others obstruct them to the front and rear, their general can be captured.
"When at dusk the enemy is turning back while his soldiers are extremely numerous, his lines and deployment will certainly become disordered. We should have our cavalry form platoons of ten and regiments of one hundred, group the chariots into squads of five and companies of ten, and set out a great many flags and pennants intermixed with strong crossbowmen. Some should strike their two flanks, others cut off the front and rear, and then the enemy's general can be taken prisoner. These are the ten [situations in which] the cavalry can be victorious.""'
King Wu asked: "What about the nine [situations which produce] defeat?"
The T'ai Kung said: "Whenever the cavalry penetrates the ranks of the enemy but does not destroy their formation so that the enemy feigns flight, only to turn their chariots and cavalry about to strike our rear-this is a situ- ation108 in which the cavalry will be defeated.
"When we pursue a fleeing enemy into confined ground, ranging far into their territory without stopping, until they ambush both our flanks and sever our rear-this is a situation in which the cavalry will be encircled.
"When we go forward but there is no road back, we enter but there is no way out, this is referred to as `penetrating a Heavenly Well,"09 `being buried in an Earthly Cave.' This is fatal terrain for the cavalry.
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China Page 14
