When the people are encouraged and give their best in fulfilling their responsibilities, they are termed as “happy people”.
凡是作战，应该有天，有财，有善。遇着好时机不要错过，占卜有了胜利的征兆就机密行动，这就叫”有天”。民众富足，国力充沛，这就叫”有财”。士卒训练有素，阵法熟练，物资器材预有准备，这就叫”有善”。人人都能尽力去完成战斗任务，这就叫”乐人”。
Army Preparation
Increasing the strength of the army and making the formations solid; making the numbers adequate and constantly training the troops; relying on the many talents to manage all military affairs; perceiving the nature of things and responding to the sudden events. This is termed as 'preparation for the foreseeable'.
Fast chariots and fleet infantrymen, bows and arrows, and a strong defense are that which is meant by 'increasing the army'. Secrecy and silence and increasing one's strength are that what is meant by 'making the formations solid'. On this basis, being able to advance or withdraw is what is meant by 'multiplying strength'. At times of little activity, the upper ranks instruct and constantly drill the lower ranks. This is what is meant by 'training in formations'. When there are appropriate offices, it is termed as 'all matters are well managed'. When accordance with these things is perceived and managed, it is referred to as 'simplifying administration'.
军队强大而阵势巩固，兵员充实而战法熟练，选拔各种人才去管理各项事务，洞察各种情况以应付突然事变，这就是预有准备。兵车轻快，步兵精锐，弓箭足以固守，这就是强大的军队。行动隐秘肃静，增强自身的战斗力，这就是巩固的阵势。凭借这样的阵势而又进退合宜，这就是增强了战斗力。主将利用闲暇时间教导士卒熟练阵法，这就是频繁排阵。各项事物，都有人负责，这就叫事事有人管。人人胜任职务而能分清事物的轻重缓急，这就是用人得当。
Disastrous Campaign
Determine the size of your troops according to the terrain, and deploy your formation according to the enemy's situation. When to attack, wage battle, defend, advance, retreat and stop; how the front and rear are ordered, and the chariots and infantry moving in concord; these are matters that need to be considered during war. Disobedience, not trusting each other, not in harmony, are lax, doubtful, weary, cower, low fighting spirit, arrogant towards upper ranks, grievances cannot be addressed, tired, unrestrained, disunity, slow; all these are disasters to the war. When they suffer from extreme arrogance, abject terror, moaning and grumbling, constant fear and show frequent regrets over taking actions; they are what caused the demise of the army. Being able to be large or small, firm or weak; to change formations, and to use large numbers or small groups, with respect to the enemy's situation, all these are termed as the 'control of war'.
衡量我军兵力，适应地形条件和敌人情况而确定我军阵形；掌握攻、战、守的变化，前进、后退或停止的时机，注意前后的顺序以及战车与步兵的协同，这些都是临战应该考虑的事情。对上级不服从、不信任、彼此不和睦、怠忽职守、互相猜疑、厌恶作战、畏惧敌人、军心涣散、互相责难、委屈难伸、疲劳困顿、肄无忌惮、分崩离析、纪律废弛、这些都是作战的祸患。骄傲已极，畏惧太甚，士卒呻吟吵闹，军心忧虑惶恐，朝令夕改，这会导致军队的覆灭。声势宜大宜小，战法用刚用柔，编组用参用伍，兵力用多用少，都必须从利害两个方面加以考虑，这是作战的权变。
Waging War
In general, to wage war, employ spies against the distant; observe the near; seize opportunities; take advantage of the enemy's material resources where possible. The army should esteem good faith and abhor the doubtful. Arouse the soldiers with fervor of righteousness. Undertake affairs at the appropriate time. Employ people with kindness. When you see the enemy, remain quiet; when you see turbulence, do not be hasty to respond; when you see danger and hardship, do not abandon the masses.
一般作战，侦察敌情远处用间谍，近处用观察。用兵作战要抓住时机，适应财力。军队内部要崇尚诚信，切戒猜疑。兴兵要合乎正义，做事要抓住时机，用人要施恩惠，遇敌必须沉着，遇着混乱必须从容，遇着危险和艰难不要忘掉部队。
Waging War II
Within the state, be generous and foster good faith. Within the army, be magnanimous but strict. When facing the enemy, be decisive and nimble. Within the state, there should be harmony across all ranks. Within the army, rules must be clear and strictly adhered to. When facing the enemy, investigate the situation well. Within the state, display the right virtues. Within the army, display uprightness. In battle, display good faith.
治国要施恩惠讲信用，治军要宽厚要威严，临阵要果断要敏捷。治国要上下和睦，治军兵法令严明，临阵要明察情况。治国要显露美德，率军要表现方正，作战要显示诚实。
Military Formations
For military formations, when advancing, the most important thing is for the ranks to be dispersed; when engaged in a battle, the formation should be dense, and the weapons should be mixed. Troops should be well-trained, and remain calm at all times, only then can the formation be well-ordered. When orders are clear and accurate, and the upper and lower ranks observe righteousness, only then will the troops be motivated properly. When many well-conceived plans prove successful, the people will submit. If people submit at all times, then affairs will be finished in the correct order. When the banners are bright and contrasting, the troops can see them clearly. When plans have been finalized, final determination should also be made. For enemies who are indecisive as to whether to advance or retreat, or without plans at all, attack them. Do not change your battle plans or the banner signals.
一般布阵，军队的行列既要求疏散[以便使用兵器]；又要求密集[以便于战斗]。兵器要多种多样配合使用，士卒要训练有素，要沉着镇静，阵形才能保持严整。威令鲜明准确，上下遵守信义，就能人人奋勉。谋划屡次成功就能使人信服。人人心悦诚服，事情就能依次办好。旗帜鲜明，部队才看得清楚。作战计谋既经确定，决心就应坚定。对那些进退不定，遇敌无谋的人，应予以惩罚。[临阵的时候]，不要随意乱用金鼓，不要轻易改变旗号，[以免引起错觉和迷乱。]
Making the Enemy Submit
Whenever affairs are well executed, they will endure; when they accord with the ancient ways, they can be made to happen. When the oath is clear, morale will be high and you can extinguish the enemy. The way to eliminate the enemy is either to use righteousness or power. One can use righteousness to gain the good faith of the enemy, uniting the realm. This allows one to use the people of the enemy's state as well. One can also use power to make the enemy submit. Rouse his arrogance and attack his weaknesses. Use troops to attack from outside and use spies to attack from within.
凡是好的事情就能保特长久，按照古法办事就能顺利推行。战斗誓词鲜明有力，士气就会旺盛，就能消灭一切敌人。消灭敌人的方法：一是用道义。就是以诚信感召敌人，以威力慑服敌人，造成统一天下的形势，使人人心悦诚服，这就能争取敌国的人为我所用。二是用权谋。就是设法助长敌人的骄横，夺取敌人的要害，用兵力从外部向它进攻；用间谍从内部策应。
Seven Military Affairs & Four Controls
First is management of talents; second is strict adherence to rules; third is the issuance of clear orders and cause; fourth is management of skill sets; fifth is skill in using fire; sixth is skill in marine battles; seventh is skill in using weapons. They are referred to as the Seven Military Affairs. Glory, profit, shame and death are referred to as the Four Controls; these will make people observe the rules.
Being tolerant and being strict are merely just ways to prevent transgressions and change intentions.
一是广罗人才，�
��是严肃法纪，三是注重宣传，四是讲求技巧。五是善用火攻，六是习于水战，七是改善兵器，这是七种军国大政。荣誉、利禄、耻辱、刑罚，这是四种令人遵守法纪的手段。和颜悦色地讲道理或严厉地予以管教，都不过是为了使人改恶从善。所有这些都是治军的方法。
Benevolence and Talents
Only benevolence can attract people; however if one is benevolent but not trustworthy, then he will vanquish himself. Treat men as men, be upright with the upright, employ the appropriate language, and use fire only when it should be used.
只有仁爱，才能使人亲近。但是只讲仁爱而不许信义，反会使自已遭到失败。用人要知人善任，正人必先正己，言辞必须严正，火攻必须用得适宜。
Setting Out for War
The principle of war is this, after you have rallied the troops, governmental measures must be set up. Treat your troops with a benign countenance and lead them with sincere words. Use their fear to warn them, use their desire to control them. When in enemy territory, control the strategic location and place the right people in the right positions.
一般作战的原则：已经鼓舞了士气，接着就要颁布纪律。对待士卒要和颜悦色，教导士卒要言辞恳切。利用他们畏惧的心理而告诫他们，利用他们的欲望而使用他们，进入敌境就要控制有利地形，并按将士的职位分派他们任务，这就是战法。
Setting Regulations & Policies
Protocols and policies of tasks and systems that are to be executed should come from the masses. They should be tested and evaluated to the furthest extent. If they cannot be done, then the general should lead by example on how the tasks and system should be executed. If they can be done, then make sure the troops know them. By executing them several times, in time people will remember them and they become true protocols and policies. And soon these protocols and policies will be known as the law.
凡是要求人们执行的规章制度，都应来源予大众的要求。在试行中检验其是否名副其实[卓有成效]。并力求妥善地、彻众地予以执行。如果有可以做到而没有做到的，将帅就要亲自带头去做。如果一切都做到了，就进而要求部队牢记这些准则，经过多次反复执行，就形成了规章制度，这些符合人们要求的规章制度，就叫做 “法”。
Managing Chaos
The way to manage chaos, or imposing order, consists of benevolence, credibility, straightforwardness, unity, righteousness, change wrought by authority and centralized authority.
治乱的方法，一是仁爱，二是信用，三是直率，四是统一，五是道义，六是权变，七是集中指挥。
Establishing Laws
The principles of establishing the law system are acceptance by the people, the laws must be clear, the laws must be strictly adhered to, must be executed at the earliest possible moment. Establish rankings, use colors to distinguish the rankings and all officers are to dress according to protocols.
建立法制，一要使人能接受。二要法令严明，三要有法必依，四要雷厉风行，五要规定各级服制，六要用颜色区别等级，七要使官吏按规定着装，不得混乱。
Centralized Authority & Law
When the power of authority falls solely with oneself, it is termed as 'centralized'. When those below the ruler fear the law, then it is termed as 'law'. In the army, troops should not listen to commands from dubious sources. When in battle, should not desire for small advantages, its plans should achieve results successfully, and should be executed in a subtle fashion.
治军，执行法令完全由将帅作主的叫做”专”。上下都一致遵守的才能叫做”法”。[军队要听从统一的指挥号令]而不要听信非正式的传说。作战时不要贪图小利，计划要能即日成功，行动要求隐密莫测，这才是治军之道。
Upper & Lower Ranks
When upright methods do not prove to be effective, then centralized control of affairs must be undertaken. If people do not submit to Virtue, then laws will have to be imposed. If they do not trust each other, then orders have to come from one source. If they are dilatory, motivate them. If they have doubts, try to change them. If people do not trust the ruler, then whatever is promulgated must not be revised.
This has been the administrative rule from antiquity.
一般作战时，用正常的办法行不通就要用专断，不服从的就用军法制裁。如果互不相信就要使之统一认识，如果军心懈怠就应加以鼓舞，如果下级产生疑惧就设法改变这种情况，如果下级不信任上级命令，更要坚决执行而不轻易改变。这些都是从古以来治军作战的方法。
Chapter 4 - Formational Discipline
Troop Formation Requirements
In general, for the principles of warfare: positions should be strictly defined; administrative measures should be strictly adhered to; movement should be nimble; the soldiers' disposition should be calm; and the minds of the officers and people should be unified.
作战一般的原则，战斗队形中士卒的位置要严格规定，号令要森严，行动要敏捷，士气要沉着，意志要统一。
Sitting and Squatting Formations
In general, for the principles of warfare: rank and appoint men to office based on their morals and ability. Establish companies and squads. Order the rows and files. Set the correct spacing between the horizontal and vertical. Investigate whether what is ordered is carried out.
Soldiers in standing formations should crouch down and advance; those who are in squatting formation should advance using their knees. If they are frightened, make the formation dense; if they are in danger have them assume a sitting formation. If the enemy is seen at a distance, after observations, they will not fear them; if the enemy is close, stay focused. Inside, the formations should use left, right, row and column to define the positions. When not advancing, troops should take the sitting formation. When giving out orders, how troops should be positioned and the weapons to carry in each formation's position should be taken into consideration. If the horses are aroused and the troops are afraid, tighten the formation and use either the sitting or squatting formations. The general should advance using his knees and calm the troops down. Have them get up, shout and advance using drums; signal a halt with the bells. When the troops are resting, ordered or having meals, have them sit down, and when there is a need to move, use knees to advance. Seize and summarily execute any deserters to stop the others from looking about to desert. Shout in order to lead them. If they are too terrified of the enemy, do not threaten them with execution and severe punishment but display a magnanimous countenance. Speak to them about the way to survive and achieve accomplishment; supervise them in their duties to complete the tasks.
作战的方法，要根据人们的德才分成等级，授予适当的职位，建立军队各级的编制，规定行列的次序，调整纵横队列，并检查是否名副其实。采用立阵时前进要弯腰， 采用坐阵时移动用膝行，军队有畏惧心理时，队形要密集。情况危急时，要用坐阵。对远处的敌人观察清楚了就不会惶恐；对近处的敌人，要目中无敌，就会集中精力，进行战斗。士卒在布阵中的位置，按左、右、行、列分布。屯兵驻止时用坐阵。从容下达命令，要规定每个甲士和徒手的具体位置，兼顾各种兵器使用的轻重缓急，如果车震马躁，士卒畏惧，就应靠拢使队形密集，采用跪阵或坐阵，将领膝行前去用宽和的言词告诫他们，[使他们镇定下来]。如果要转入进攻就起立，高声呼喊，插鼓前进。如果要停止，就鸣金。当士卒衔枚、受命或吃饭时，都应坐下实施，必须移动时，用膝行移动。在战场上要用杀戳来严禁顾盼不前，并高声喝令他们前进。如果士卒畏惧太甚，就不要再行杀戮，而应和颜悦色地把立功求生的办法告诉他们，使之各尽其职，完成任务。
Executing Punishment
Within the army: all punishme
nt has to be imposed within half a day; confinement does not go beyond the rest period; do not cut the army's food supply as a form of punishment; when the enemy is in doubt, such is an opportunity to subdue him.
三军之中：惩罚兵众，半天以内就要执行；监禁士兵，不超过一息的时间；要乘敌人尚在疑惑不定的时候，用兵袭击，就可征服它。
Endurance & Victory
In general, during battles, one can endure if he has sufficient numerical strength, but achieve victory if morale is high enough; one can endure with solid defense but achieve victory when being endangered; one can endure if the troops genuinely want to fight but achieve victory when the fighting spirit is high; with the armor one is secure; with weapons, one attains victory.
一般作战：凡兵力充实就能持久，士气旺盛就能取胜；防守坚固就能持久，军队处于危地反能取胜。士卒真心求战就能稳固，朝气蓬勃就能取胜。用盔甲防护自己，用兵器战胜敌人。
Solid Defense
In general, the chariots will be secured in a close-knit formation; infantry will be solid in a squatting formation; armor is strong through toughness; weapons must be light and easy to wield to achieve victory.
兵车密集就能巩固，步兵用坐阵就能巩固，铠甲要坚实厚重才能牢固，兵器要轻巧应手才能取胜。
Mindset for Victory & Fear
When men have their mind set for victory, the next stage is to find out the situation of the enemy and see if there is a chance to attack. When men are filled with fear, the next stage is to find out what their fear is. Once feelings have been made clear, their consequences and cause should be treated the same. How the general handles both situations depends on his execution of authority.
Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China Page 23
