Quan Tao: Infantry Combat

King Wu asked Tai Gong: "What are the methods for infantry to engage in combat against chariots and cavalry?"

Tai Gong replied: "When infantry confront chariots and cavalry, they must deploy in formations utilizing hills and dangerous terrain. Position long weapons and powerful crossbows in the front ranks, with short weapons and lighter bows in the rear. Rotate troops in shifts to maintain continuous combat readiness. When enemy chariots and cavalry arrive in great numbers, hold your ground firmly and fight tenaciously, while positioning elite archers with strong bows to guard the rear."

King Wu inquired: "If we have neither hills nor dangerous terrain to rely on, and the enemy forces arriving are both numerous and powerful - with chariots and cavalry attacking our flanks and assaulting our front and rear, causing panic throughout our army and potential rout - what should we do then?"

Tai Gong responded: "Order your soldiers to construct mobile barriers (xingma) and wooden caltrops. Gather oxen and horses together in groups, and form infantry into square assault formations. When enemy chariots and cavalry approach, extensively deploy the caltrops while digging circular trenches five feet deep and wide - this is called the 'life cage'. Have infantry maneuver the mobile barriers in coordinated movements, link chariots together to create mobile fortifications that can advance or retreat, forming instant fortifications when stationary. Position elite archers with strong bows to protect both flanks, then command your entire army to fight fiercely without respite."

King Wu exclaimed: "Excellent!"