Follow-Up Response

If one can start from the easy while a difficulty has not yet taken shape, accumulate from the small while a great matter has not yet swelled, complete deployment and preparation before action begins, and make order hold through the deterrent force of rules before punishment is used—this is the top strategy in using troops, and such a general is wise. When the two armies’ formations are already deployed, troops and horses crisscross and charge, strong crossbows have just fired and short weapons immediately engage, and at this moment the commander can ride the momentum to expand influence and break the enemy’s organization and will—this counts as being competent in using troops. To charge personally through arrows and stones, to fight for the victory of a moment, with both sides suffering heavy casualties and victory still undecided—this is the lowest strategy in using troops. Modern Application:This chapter clearly divides the levels of using troops into three grades, and the criterion is not “whether one wins” but at what stage of a problem action occurs. The top......