Pests Within the Army

When an army operates, there are nine circumstances that can directly cause collapse from within. First, reconnaissance is not thorough or accurate, beacon warnings lose their order, and intelligence does not correspond to the actual situation. Second, orders are not followed and time limits are violated, battle opportunities are missed, and the deployment of the entire army is disrupted. Third, command is not obeyed, units move abruptly forward and backward, and are completely disconnected from the signals of gongs and drums. Fourth, superiors do not show solicitude for subordinates and extort and collect without measure. Fifth, people engage in favoritism and self-serving conduct, caring only for themselves and not for the hunger and cold of the soldiers. Sixth, they spread monstrous words and evil doctrines and recklessly pronounce fortunes and misfortunes, destabilizing military morale. Seventh, they create clamor and confusion without cause, frightening and misleading officers and men. Eighth, they show bravery without restraint and act arbitrarily, overriding......