Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

by Shawn Conners

  The wealth of the people would be reduced by seventy percent. As for the nation, it would incur the loss of equipment and livestock; chariots, horses, helmets, bows and arrows, spears and shields, oxen and heavy wagons. These losses would be about sixty percent of the nation’s assets.

  善于用兵作战的将军，不会再征集兵队，粮草不运输超过两回；武装配备取用于我国，粮食则征用敌国，这样军队的粮食需求便可满足了。国家会因为多次运输军队需求而贫穷，多次运输也使百姓贫困。靠近驻军的地方，物价必然上升，而致使百姓和国家财竭，致使国家急需征税。战场上军力用尽，国内各家空虚，百姓的财产将会用去十分之七。政府的财力也会因为车辆的损坏，马匹的疲惫，盔甲、箭弩、戟盾、矛橹的补充和运输用的牛和车的征用,而损失十分之六.

  Hence, a wise general would always make a point to use the supplies and provisions of the enemy. Consuming one cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty cartloads of our own. Consuming one piculs of the enemy’s food is equivalent to twenty piculs of our own.[7]

  所以明智的将军，务求用敌方的粮食。因为用敌方一种粮食，就等于我方二十种粮食。用敌方一石饲料，等于我方二十石饲料。

  In order to kill the enemy, you need to make your troops hate them. To motivate your troops to plunder enemy resources, you need to reward them with material goods. In a chariot battle, the first person who is able to capture more than ten enemy chariots should be rewarded. We should then remove and replace the banners on captured chariots with ours and use it together with ours. Captured soldiers should be treated well. Only in this way, can we win the enemy and become stronger in the process.

  能让士兵奋勇杀敌是怒气， 能让士兵勇于夺取敌方物资是奖赏。在车战中，凡得战车十辆以上，奖赏最先夺取战车者，更换车上旌旗，并编入我方战车部队。优待被俘虏的敌方士兵和使用他们。这就是所谓能胜过敌人，又壮大我方的方法。

  In war, it is better to go for swift victories rather than engaging in a prolonged campaign. Thus a general who is adept in warfare is also the controller of people’s fate and nation’s survival.

  所以用兵作战宜速胜，不宜持久作战。熟悉用兵之法的将军，是掌握人民生死命运的人，国家安危的主宰。

  Chapter 3

  Attack Strategies

  In war, to capture the whole nation intact is the best strategy; to ruin or shatter the nation is a weaker option. To capture the whole division intact is the best strategy; to destroy it is a weaker option. To capture the whole battalion intact is the best strategy; to destroy it is a weaker option. To capture the whole company intact is the best strategy; to destroy it is a weaker option. To capture the whole section intact is the best strategy; to destroy it is a weaker option.

  凡用兵打战之法，使敌国完整降服是上策，攻破它是次一等；使全敌军降伏为上策，击溃它是次一等；使敌军全旅降伏为上策，击溃它是次一等;使敌军全卒降伏为上策，击溃它是次一等;使敌军全伍降伏为上策，击溃它是次一等;

  Thus, to fight a hundred battles and win a hundred battles is not a reflection of the ultimate strategy. The ability to subdue the enemy without ever doing battle is a reflection of the ultimate strategy.

  因此即使百战百胜，并非最高明；只有不用战斗而使敌方降伏，才是最高明的。

  The supreme plan is to attack the enemy’s strategies and plans, by thwarting them. Next is to attack the enemy’s strategic alliances. The next option is to attack enemy troops. Attack the enemy’s cities when it is the only option available.

  故上兵伐谋，其次伐交，其次伐兵，攻城之法为不得已。

  The preparation of shields, weapons and equipment would take at least three months to complete. The preparation of the observation ramps would take another three months at least. Such long preparation may cause the general in charge to lose his patience and rationality. Thus he may launch an assault on the walls like ants, resulting in one third of his troops being killed, and the attacked city is still not conquered. This is the disastrous consequence of such an assault.

  若要攻城，需制造攻城的大盾和四轮车，准备攻城器械，须三个月才完成；构筑攻城的土山又另须三个月。将帅不胜忿怒， 而下令攻城，驱使士兵像蚂蚁一样爬梯攻城，那士兵会死了三分之一，可是城却未攻下。这是攻城之灾。

  The general who is adept at warfare will be able to subdue his enemy’s troops without engaging in battles, to capture the enemy’s city without launching assaults, or to conquer the enemy’s city without a prolonged campaign. He will always focus on using the least amount of the nation’s resources to conquer his objectives whole and intact, while contesting for supremacy. Thus his troops are not worn out and his victories are complete. In essence, this is the art of strategic attacks.

  善于用兵与谋略的将帅，不战而使敌兵屈服，不攻而夺城，不久战而毁灭敌国;他必会以全胜作为考量来争天下。这样一来军队不会疲惫，士气不会受挫，而能取得全胜。这就是谋攻之法则。

  When you outnumber your enemy ten to one, surround him. When you outnumber your enemy five to one, attack him. When you outnumber your enemy two to one, divide him. When the troops are comparable, there is a possibility of engaging him. When the enemy is larger in number, be able to escape from him. When greatly inferior in numbers than the enemy, be able to avoid him. Because, regardless of how resilient the smaller troop is, it will definitely be captured by the stronger and larger troops.

  用兵法则是，我方有十倍于敌人的兵力就包围他，我方有五倍于敌人的兵力就攻击他，我方有两倍于敌人的兵力就分散他，我方与敌人有相等兵力就须设法战胜他，我方兵力比敌人少就须摆脱他，我方实力比敌人弱就须避免与他决战。因为不管弱小的军队再怎么顽强，也是会成为强大敌人的俘虏。

  The general, being an official, serves the nation. If he is thoughtful and detailed in his work, the nation would be strong and mighty. If he is full of flaws, the nation would be weak and vulnerable.

  将帅是国家重要的辅助者。如果相依无间，国家一定强盛；如果相依有隙，国家一定衰弱。

  There are three ways in which the ruler can adversely affect his army’s campaign. The ruler can give the order to advance, without knowing that his army should not advance. The ruler can give the order to retreat, without knowing that his army should not retreat. This is equivalent to interfering or hindering military command and movement.

  The ruler who is ignorant of the army affairs participates and interferes in its affairs. This causes confusion in the officers and men.

  The ruler ignorant of the command system, and authority within the army, interferes in the execution of responsibilities. This causes apprehension and suspicion among the officers and men. If the army is caught in confusion and apprehension, the neighboring warlords may take the opportunity to attack. It is like using a confused and chaotic army to entice your enemy to attack you.

  国君不利于军队有三种情况：不了解军队为何不可前进，而硬是要它前进，不了解军队为何不可撤退，而硬是要它撤退，此乃束缚军队；不懂得军队内部，而干预军队行政，使将士们迷惑不解；不懂得用兵权谋，而干预军队指挥，使将士们产生疑虑。将士们既迷惑又疑虑，各诸侯国乘隙进攻之灾难会临头。这好比自乱军心，自取灭亡。

  There are five ways to predict victory. He who knows when to launch an attack, and when not to, will win. He who knows when to vary the size of his troops according to battle situations will win. He who is able to unite his whole army as one will win. He who is well-prepared and far-sighted and awaits his enemy will win. He who is capable and does not have to contend with the interference of his ruler will win. These are the fi
ve ways to decide if a victory can be secured.

  有五种情况可知得胜利或否：知道什么情况可以战，知道什么情况不可以战，能得胜；懂得运用兵力多与寡者，能得胜；君，将于兵上下同心，可得胜；以有准备对没准备，可得胜；将军有才能而君主不牵制，可得胜。这就是知可否得胜之法。

  He who knows well his enemy, and himself, will not be defeated easily. He who knows himself, but not his enemy, will have an even chance of victory. He who neither knows himself nor his enemy is bound to suffer defeat in all battles.

  所以说，了解自己，了解对方，百战不败。了解自己，不了解对方，胜败各占一半。不了解自己，不了解对方，每战必败。

  Chapter 4

  Positioning the Army

  In ancient times, those who were skillful in warfare ensured that they would not be defeated and then waited for opportunities to defeat the enemy. The ability to prevent defeat is your responsibility, while the opportunities for victory depend upon the enemy. Thus, those who are adept at warfare can ensure that they will not be defeated by the enemy, but will not be able to ensure victory over the enemy. Thus, one is able to predict victory but not necessarily be able to achieve it.

  从前善于打仗的人，先创造不会被敌人战胜的条件，来等待可以战胜敌人的机会。不被战胜的主动权在自己，可战胜敌人的条件是敌人创造的。所以善于打仗的人，能做到不被敌人轻易取胜，可是不能肯定敌人必会被打败。所以说，胜利可以预知，但不能强求。

  If the enemy cannot be overcome, defend. If the enemy can be overcome, attack. If resources are not available, or are in short supply, then defend; and, vice versa. Those who are able to defend are able to use the surroundings to conceal troops well. Those who are able to attack are able to attack in ways that are out of the ordinary. As such, they are not only able to ensure the greatest security and protection; they would also be able to achieve complete victories.

  当不可能战胜敌人时，应该进行防御。当可以战胜敌人时，应该进攻。采取守势是因为资源不足，采取攻势是因为资源充足或有余。善于防守者，深深隐蔽自己兵力于各种地形之下；善于攻击者，高度发挥自己的力量，像从天而降，所以能保存自己又获得全胜。

  To predict a victory that cannot surpass the common military knowledge is not the hallmark of a great military strategist. To win a battle that is praised by many, is not the hallmark of great military strategist either. Predicting and achieving such victories is like lifting a hair, which does not indicate that one has great strength; or being able to see the moon and the sun does not mean one has great eyesight. And also similarly, to be able to hear the roar of the thunder does not mean one has sharp hearing. Ancient sages’ definitions of generals who are adept at war are those who excelled in securing victories by choosing enemies who are easiest to overcome. Thus, one who is adept at warring wins without being known for his wisdom, reputation, courage or merit.

  预见胜利，不超过一般人的见识，不算高明中的高明，经过激烈战斗而后取胜，天下人都说好，也不算高明中的高明。这就像是举得起秋毫算不得力大，能看得见日月算不得眼明，听得见雷声算不得耳灵。古时候善于打仗之人，选择能容易获胜的敌人，所以所得的胜利，既没智慧的名声，也没勇武的战功。

  He wins battles with confidence, and without making mistakes. He does not make mistakes, because he adopts measures that lead to victories. Victory is already secured because the enemy is already in a position of defeat. Therefore, the person adept at warfare, will put himself in a position where the odds of defeat are the smallest, and grabs every opportunity to defeat the enemy. As such, a would-be victorious army ensures victory before engaging the enemy. A would-be defeated army will engage his enemy first, before looking for chances of victory. The person adept in warfare not only cultivates his moral code but maintains law and order. In this way, he is able to govern and determine victory and defeat in war.

  所以他们取得胜利不会有差错。之所以没有差错是因为他们的作战措施是建立在必胜的基础上，战胜已处于失败地位的敌人。善于打仗的人，先立于不败之地，而又不放过任何能胜敌人的机会。打胜仗的军队，先创造取胜的条件，而后同敌人作战。打败战的军队先同敌人交战，而后希望侥幸取胜。善于作战的人，修明政治，确保法制，所以能够掌握胜败的决定权。

  Now in warfare, evaluations must be made as follows: first, estimate the degree of difficulty; second, assess the scope of the operation; third, calculation of one’s own forces; fourth, comparison of forces; and fifth, establish the chances of victory. Based on the characteristics of the terrain, the degree of difficulty is estimated. Based on the degree of difficulty, the scope of the operation is assessed. Based on the scope of the operation, the calculation of one’s own forces is made. Based on the calculation of one’s own forces, comparisons are evaluated against those of the enemy. Based on the evaluations, the chances of victory can then be established.

  军事上，有五个范畴，一是“度”，二是“量”，三是“数”，四是“称”，五是“胜”。根据地形，可看出战役的难度，而从难度可看出战役所需要资源量，而从资源数量可看出所需的兵士数量，又从兵士数量作比较，判断谁强谁弱，就可知谁胜谁负。

  Thus, a victorious army is like a gladiator matched against a weakling. A defeated army is like a weakling matched against a gladiator. The person adept in warfare is able to command and direct his troops to fight like an avalanche, streaming down mercilessly from thousands of feet high. Such is the disposition of a powerful and victorious army.

  所以，胜利的军队与失败的军队相比，就像用“镒”称“铢”那样占有绝对优势；失败的军队较之以胜利的军队，就像用“铢”称“镒”那样处于绝对劣势。军事实力强大的胜利者指挥军队作战，就像决开在八千尺高处的溪中积水那样，一种力量的表现。

  Chapter 5

  Forces

  Managing a large force can be similar to managing a small force. It is a matter of organization and structure. To direct and control a large force can be similar to directing and controlling a small force. It is a matter of communication and formations. The fact that the whole army can withstand an enemy attack without conceding defeat is because of the apt use of the “direct and indirect”.[8] The strength of the troops can be increased to a level similar to using solid stones to hurl at eggs. This is done by avoiding the enemy’s strengths and attacking its weaknesses.

  要管理人数众多的军队如同人数少的军队，是靠军队的组织；要指挥人数众多的军队如同指挥人数少的军队，是靠规定好的信号。统帅全国军队，即使遭受敌人攻击，也不致失败，是因为“奇正”运用正确。军队可以攻击，如同以石击卵，是因为军队避实击虚。

  In battle, use the direct forces to match the enemy, and use the indirect forces to win the enemy. Thus, the person who is adept at using indirect force can use it in such infinite ways, like the ever-changing forces and elements of nature, and the ceaseless flow of water in rivers and streams. Direct and indirect forces are like the end and the beginning, and also like the ever changing role of the sun and moon. They perish and resurrect like the changing of the four seasons. There are only five basic notes, but their combinations and permutations can create so many musical scores, that one is not able to hear them all. There are only five basic colors, but their mixes and matches produce so many visuals that one is not able to view them all. There are only five basic flavors, but their mixtures and blends produce so many tastes that one is not able to taste them all. In war, there are only the direct and indirect forces. However the combinations and changes between the two are infinite. Their interactions and combinations are like two never-ending, interlocking rings, where possib
ilities of its beginning and ending cannot be determined.

  大凡作战，是以“正”兵求合，而以“奇”兵求胜。所以善于出奇制胜者，其战法变化如天地运行变化无穷，像江河那样奔流不歇。终而复始，犹如日月的运行；去而又来，好似四季的更迭。乐音不过五个音节，可是五个音节的变化，却听不胜听。颜色不过五种，可是五色的变化，却看不胜看。滋味不过五种，可是五味的变化，却尝不胜尝。作战不过“奇”和“正”，可是“奇”“正”相互的变化，就像圆环旋转那样，无始无终，能穷尽吗？

  When the gushing torrential water tosses stones and pushes boulders, it is because of the force of its momentum. When the ferocious strike of an eagle breaks the body of its prey, it is because of the timing of the strike. Thus the forces and momentum of the adept in warfare are overwhelming and ferocious, and his timing of the engagement is precise and swift. His stance is like a fully stretched bow and the timing is like the release of the trigger.

  川急的流水飞快的奔泻，以至能把石头漂动，那是因为水势强大的关系。凶猛的飞鸟飞快的突击，以至能捕杀猎物，那是因为节奏恰当的关系。所以善于指挥作战者，他所制造的态势险峻，发出的节奏短促。险峻的态势犹如张满的弓弩，短促的节奏犹如击发弩机。

  In the midst of disorder and turmoil in war, while the troops have to fight under chaotic situations; they must remain orderly and in control. In the midst of confusion and chaos in fighting, one must still be able to marshal the troops from all directions and deploy them such that they cannot be defeated.

  旌旗纷纷，人马纭纭，在混乱的状态下作战，须使自己的军队不发生混乱。战车转动，步卒奔驰，在迷蒙不清的情况下，必须把军队部署得四面八方都能应付自如。