Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

by Shawn Conners

  吴起说：“行军的要领是，不要违背前进和停止的节奏，不要耽误适时的供食，不要耗尽人马的体力。这三点做到了，才能保证完成上级授予的任务。完成了上级授予的任务，就达到了治军的要求。如果前进和停止不能节制，饮食不能适时供给，人马疲乏而不能休息，就不能完成上级授予的任务。上级授予的任务不能完成的军队，驻守之地必然混乱，开赴战场必定打败仗”

  Decisiveness

  Wu Qi said: “On the battlefield, which will soon to become a land of corpses, the soldiers who are committed to fighting to the death will live; whereas those who seek to stay alive will die. A good general will act as if his army is on a sinking ship or trapped in a burning building; he knows that there is not enough time for the wise to devise plans or the courageous to get angry. The only useful thought that one can have is to fight! Thus it is said that great harm can befall the army as the result of hesitation, while the greatest disaster that can befall the whole army is the deadly delay that results from too many doubts.”

  吴起说：“战场是打仗流血的地方，只要抱着必死的决心就会闯出生路，若想侥幸偷生反而容易遭于死亡。善于指挥作战的将领，就像坐在漏船上，又像伏在燃烧的房屋下，即使平素机智过人的人，也来不及谋划；勇敢的人，也来不及惊慌忿怒，唯一能做的就是迎敌奋战。所以说，用兵打仗，最坏的是犹豫不决。全军失败的灾难，多半肇因是疑虑过多，使得行动迟缓。”

  Education & Training of the Army

  Wu Qi said: “In war, men perish from inability and are defeated by the unfamiliar. Thus, before men are deployed, training to make them capable warriors who are familiar with every aspect of battle should be given the highest priority. One man who has been trained can train ten men. Ten men who have been trained can train a hundred. A hundred men who have been trained can train a thousand. A thousand men who have been trained can train ten thousand. Ten thousand men who have been trained can train the whole army.

  “Being near gives one an advantage over an enemy coming from afar. Being well-rested gives one an advantage over an enemy who is tired. Being satiated gives one an advantage over an enemy who is hungry. Being familiar with the maneuvers of an army gives one and advantage over the chaos of a mob. It is essential for the soldiers to be able to go from being deployed in circular formations to square ones, to be able to move in unison, to be able to divide then combine, unite then disperse. When all these changes are familiar, when the men have been provided with weapons and trained in using them, only then are they an army. All these matters are the responsibility of the general.”

  吴起说：“士卒在战争中往往死于没有本领，败于不熟悉战法。所以用兵的法则总以训练为先。一人学会了战斗本领，可以教会十人；十人学会，可以教会百人；百人学会，可以教会千人；千人学会，可以教会万人；万人学会，可以教会全军。我以近待敌远来，以安逸待敌疲劳，以饱食待敌饥饿。即学圆阵如何改变成方阵；即学从坐下变起立；即学从行动变停止；既学从左转到右，既学从前进转为后退；既学从分散转为集中，从集中转为分散。各种变化都训练熟悉了，才发给兵器。这些都是将领应该做的事情。”

  Placing Individuals in Appropriate Positions

  Wu Qi said: “A basic rule of warfare that should be grasped is that of appropriate deployment: that men of short stature should carry spears and spear-tipped halberds, that the tall should carry bows and crossbows, that the strong should carry the flags and banners, that the courageous should carry the bells and the drums, that the weak should serve in logistics; that the wise should be involved in planning; that people from the same village or district should be grouped together, so that they can look out for each other.

  “As for the orders from drum beats, to a single drum beat, they should equip and gather themselves together. To the second drum beat, they should be drilled in various deployments. To the third drum beat, they should have their meals. To the fourth drum beat, they should make a final inspection. To the fifth drum beat, they should move out. Upon only hearing the drum beat should the soldiers move in unison, raise the banners and set off.”

  吴起说：“作战训练的法则是，让身材较矮小的人使用矛戟，身材较高大的人使用弓弩，强而有力的人掌握军旗，勇敢的人司号令，身体较弱的人充当后勤，有智谋的人担任参谋。让同乡邻里的士卒编在一起，相互合作。在鼓声号令方面，第一通鼓整装集结，第二通鼓演练阵法，第三通鼓用饭，第四通鼓最后总检查，第五通鼓出发前进。等全军在击鼓讯号下行动一致，才可举旗出兵。”

  Principles of Marching & Stationing the Army

  Lord Wu said: “What are the principles for advancing and halting the army?”

  Wu Qi answered: “Avoid stationing at ‘Heaven's Furnace’ or ‘Dragon's Head’. ‘Heaven's Furnace’ is the mouth of a deep valley. ‘Dragon's Head’ is the top of a high mountain. The left army should hold the Green Dragon Banner; the right army should hold the White Tiger Banner. The front should hold the Vermilion Bird Banner; the back should hold the Mysterious Military Banner and the central army should use banners to command the whole army. When considering whether to engage in combat, determine the wind direction. If upwind, yell and charge with the wind, if downwind, it is best to maintain your formation and await the opportunity to attack.”

  武侯问道：“军队前进、停止，有一定的原则吗？”

  吴起答道：“不要在「天灶」或「龙头」停止。所谓「天灶」，就是大山谷的谷口；所谓「龙头」，就是大山的顶端。指挥军队，左军必用青龙旗，右军必用白虎旗，前军用朱雀旗，后军用玄武旗，而中军用招摇旗在上方指挥，部队在下面跟着信号行动。临战前，还要观测风向，顺风时乘势鼓噪而进，逆风时就坚守阵地，待机破敌。”

  Maintenance of Horses

  Lord Wu asked: “How should we care for our horses?”

  Wu Qi replied: “The stables should be clean and comfortable. The horses should be given appropriate feed and water. Feeding should continue until they are neither too hungry nor too full. In the winter, they should have warm stables and during the summer, cool stables. Their manes and hair should be kept trimmed and their hooves properly tended. They should be trained to be familiar with all sights and sounds of battle so that they will not be easily startled. They should practice galloping and pursuit, learning to exercise restraint in advancing and halting. The bonds between the horses and the men should be strong before the horses can be employed.

  “The equipment, such as saddles, bridles, bits and reins must be strong and durable. Usually, the horses are injured either at the start of war, or towards the ending. Similarly, they are either injured by hunger or by overfeeding. When the sun is setting and the road is still long, the men should alternate riding and walking in turns, for it is better for the men to be slightly weary than to tire the horses. This will allow for easy escape should the enemy attack unexpectedly. Understanding this will allow one to travel without severe hindrance or undue worry.”

  武侯问道：“驯养马有什么要领？”

  吴起回答说：“一定要使马匹处所舒适，喝水吃草要合适，饥饱要有节制。冬天要保持马房的温暖，夏天要使它凉爽通风。随时剪刷马鬃，细心为它铲蹄钉掌，并训练它熟悉各种声音和颜色，使其不致惊骇，还要让它练习奔驰最追逐和熟悉前进和停止的动作。须做到人马互相熟悉，然后才能使唤它。驾车和骑马的工具，如马鞍、笼头、嚼子、缰绳等物。一定要完好坚牢。一般来说，马匹不是伤于使用之后，就是伤于之初；不是伤于饥饿，就是伤于过饱。当天色已晚而路途尚远时，应当骑马与步行交替进行。宁可让人疲劳一些，千万不要使马过度疲劳。要让马儿常保余力，以防备敌人的�
�击。能够懂得这些道理的，就能让自己横行天下。”

  Part 2

  Chapter 1 - Selection of Generals

  Wu Qi said: “Only a person who has both military capabilities and civility can be the commander of an army. He must be one who is strict and flexible as well. Normally, when people appraise generalship, they usually focus on courage. However, courage is but one of the many required characteristics of a general. Being only courageous, one would rashly rush into battle without a proper consideration for the gains and loss. Such action is not acceptable.

  “The affairs the general must manage are five.

  Control

  Preparation

  Commitment

  Caution

  Regulation

  “Control is a matter of governing the masses, just as one controls the few. Preparation means always being ready to give battle; even during the journey to the battleground, always be prepared to be ambushed. Commitment means entering combat without any concern for one's life. Caution means that even after conquering, one maintains the same control and attitude as if just entering a battle. Regulation means that laws and orders are kept to a minimum and are not abrasive. The proper form of behavior for a general is to accept command without declining, destroy the enemy, and only afterward speak about returning. Thus when the army goes forth, a proper general will be determined to die in victory rather than live in disgrace.”

  吴起说：“文武兼备的人，才能胜任军队的将领。能刚柔并用的人，才可以统兵作战。一般人评论将领，往往只看到他的勇敢，其实勇敢对一个将领来说，不过是应该具备的若干条件之一。只有勇气的人，必定轻率应战，轻易与敌交战而不顾及利害，是不可取的。所以，将领应当谨慎的五件事：一是理，二是备，三是果，四是戒，五是约。所谓理，就是治理众多的军队如同治理少数军队一样；所谓备，就是指挥军队出动就像随时会见到敌人一样的戒备；所谓果，就是临敌交战时不考虑个人生死；所谓戒，就是即使打了胜战，还是如同初战那样谨慎；所谓约；就是法令简明而不繁琐。此外，接受任命决不推辞，击败敌人后才说班师回朝的话，这是将领应该遵守的准则。所以，将领从率军出征那一天起，就抱定了只有光荣牺牲，决不忍辱偷生的决心。”

  Four Areas to Note & Characteristics of a Good General

  Wu Qi said: “In warfare there are four vital points which a ruler must give careful consideration; these are: morale, terrain, covert affairs and strength. The vital point for good morale is that control and management of the army's movement lies entirely in the hands of one general alone. With only ten men at a mountain route where the road is narrow and perilous, a general can stop an army of thousands; that is a vital point of terrain. Being able to make full use of spies, to use light cavalry to harass the enemy, to sow discord between the enemy ruler and his officials so that and the higher ranks and lower ranks reproach each other, such is the vital point of covert affairs. When the chariots have been fitted with strong axles and secure pins; when the boats have been fitted with proper rudders and oars; when the officers and men have been thoroughly trained and are familiar with all the formations; and when the horses have been trained in pursuit and maneuvering, such is the vital point of strength.

  “Only one who knows how to accomplish these four is qualified to be a general. Moreover he must be respected by his subordinates; able to calm the masses and able to frighten the enemy with his reputation alone. His reputation for virtue, benevolence, courage and decisiveness must be beyond reproach. When he issues an order, no one must dare to disobey him or rebel against him. With such a general, the state will grow strong and prosper; without such, the state will perish. This is what is called a good general.”

  吴起说：“大凡用兵打战，有四个应当注意的关键；一是掌握士气，二是利用地形”，三是善于谋略，四是发挥兵力。三军之众百万之师，掌握轻重缓急，在于将帅一人，这就是掌握士气的关键；狭险的道路，名山要塞，十人防守，千人不能通过，这就是利用地形的关键；善于使用间谍，用轻骑频频搔扰敌人，以分散其兵，使敌人君臣不和，上下互相责怪，这就是善于谋事的关键；战车及其零件十分牢固，战船及其橹桨十分结实，士卒熟悉战阵，战马善于驰骋，这就是发挥兵力的关键。懂得这四个关键，才可以担任将领。而且它的威信、品德、仁爱、勇敢，都必须足以为全军之表率，而且能安抚士众，威慑敌人，决断疑难。他发布命令，部下不敢违背，所到之处，敌人不敢抵抗。得到这样的将才，国家就会强盛；失去他，国家就要灭亡。这就叫良将。”

  Characteristics & Importance of Good Communication

  Wu Qi said: “Good communication is of vital importance. The different drums, gongs and bells are the means to impress the ear; flags, banners, pennants are the means to impress the eye; and prohibitions, orders, punishments and fines are the means to impress the mind. Since the ear is impressed by sounds, the sounds must be clear and loud. Since the eye is impressed by color, the colors must be discriminating and bright. Since the mind is impressed by penalties, they have to be strict and impartial. If these three means of communication are not well established, the army will invariably be defeated. Thus it is said that wherever the general's banners go, the troops will go, and wherever the general points, everyone will attack without concern for his life.”

  吴起说：“鼙鼓金铎是用来威慑耳朵；旌旗麾帜是用来威慑眼睛；禁令刑罚是用来威慑军心。耳朵听命于声音，不可不清脆响亮；眼睛听命于颜色，不可不鲜明；军心受制于刑法，刑罚不可不威严。三者如果不确立，虽有国家，必定被敌人打败。所以将领旌旗所在的地方，没有不依命令而行的；将领指向的地方，没有不拼死前进的。”

  Knowing the Enemy General

  Wu Qi said: “In general, it is essential to know the enemy commander and to be able to evaluate his ability. Depending on the situation, one may use deceits to achieve good results without much effort. If an enemy general is stupid and trusting he can be deceived and entrapped. If he is greedy and insensitive to honor, he can be given gifts and bribed. If he is indecisive and changes his mind easily, you can devise plans to labor and tire him. If his upper ranks are wealthy and arrogant and the lower ranks are poor and resentful, it will be easy to sow discord among them. If their maneuvers are hesitant and the troops have are poorly directed, they may be frightened into running away. If the officers dislike the commanding general and desire to return home, you should block off the easy roads and leave the treacherous ones open. Then they can then be attacked and captured. If the terrain over which they can advance is easy and their only route of retreat is difficult, wait for them to advance. If the terrain over which they must advance is difficult but the retreat route is easy, they can be pressed and attacked. If they encamp on low wetlands where there is no way for the water to drain off, you should pin them down and wait for heavy rain to flood and drown them. If they encamp in wild marsh or in fields that are dense with dry vegetation, where strong winds blow, you can use fire to destroy them. If the enemy remains encamped and undisturbed for a long period of time, the officers may allow discipline to become slack and negligently let their guard down, then you may defeat them with a surprise attack.”

  吴起说：“一般来说，作战最重要的是，一定要预先探知敌人的将领是谁，观察其才能。根据情况，运用计谋，不废力气而大功告成。敌将愚昧而轻信于人的，可以使欺骗的手段诱惑他。敌将贪婪而不顾名誉，可以用金钱收买。敌将轻率而无谋略能力，可以使疲劳战术使他困顿。敌人上级军官富裕骄横，下级吏卒贫困而怨愤，可以用离间的手段来分化他。敌人进退忧疑不定，部队无所适从，可以用震撼的方式吓退他。士卒藐视其将领而思家，可以阻断平坦大道而开放险阻之路，引而截击
消灭。敌人进路平易而退路艰难，可以让他前来并消灭他。敌人进路艰难而退路平易，可以逼近猛击他。敌人驻扎在低洼潮湿的地方，水道不通、大雨连日，可以放水淹他。敌人驻扎荒郊野泽、杂草丛生、环境污秽而常起风的地方，可以使用火攻烧死他。敌人久住一个地方而没有移动，官兵懈怠、戒备疏忽，可以视机偷袭他。”

  Testing the Enemy General

  Lord Wu asked: “If our two armies are facing each other and I do not know the enemy general, what methods can I employ to learn about him and his abilities?”

  Wu Qi replied: “Test him with a probing attack. Send some shock troops with orders to withdraw after light initial contact. When the enemy responds to the attack, and the shock troops withdraw, the actions of the enemy troops will disclose the ability of the general. When they pursue our troops, if they move and stop in unison and their formations are well preserved; if they feign being unable to catch up; if when they are offered easy gains, they pretend not to realize it, their commander is termed as a 'wise general'. You should not engage him.

  “If their troops should respond to the feigned attack by yelling and screaming, with their flags and banners in disarray, with some troops moving of their own accord with their weapons not held properly; and when they pursue, they pursue in haste, as though they are afraid they might not capture our men, or when they see an advantage they appear to be afraid of not gaining it, this is the mark of a 'stupid general'. Although his troops may be many, he can be engaged and taken.”