Bao Tao: Bird Cloud Mountain Soldiers

King Wu asked Tai Gong:
"When leading troops deep into enemy territory, if we encounter high mountains with towering peaks, barren of vegetation, and find ourselves surrounded on all sides, the entire army becomes fearful, and the soldiers grow confused and panicked. If I wish to defend firmly and attack victoriously, what should be done?"

Tai Gong replied:
"Whenever troops are deployed on a mountain's summit, they risk being isolated by the enemy. If stationed at the mountain's base, they may become trapped. In mountain warfare, you must employ the 'Bird Cloud Formation.' This means securing all directions—north, south, east, and west. Whether stationed on the northern or southern slopes, you must guard against the opposite side. If positioned on the left (east), secure the right (west); if on the right (west), secure the left (east). Defend every accessible path the enemy could climb, block key passes and valleys with chariots, and raise flags for communication. Prepare the army in strict formation, concealing your movements from the enemy. Thus, the mountain itself becomes your fortress.

Once ranks are ordered, soldiers arrayed, commands issued, and tactics (both conventional and unconventional) decided, deploy each unit in assault formations atop strategic high ground. Then arrange chariots and cavalry into the 'Bird Cloud Formation.' When the enemy attacks, your forces will strike with full force. No matter their numbers, they will be defeated, and their commander captured."