Selecting Soldiers

Sun Bin said: The key to victory in war lies in selecting soldiers. The courage of soldiers lies in strict military discipline; their combat skill lies in proper command; their fighting strength lies in the general’s trustworthiness; their moral quality lies in instruction. Ample military supplies lie in rapid decisive battles; the army’s strength lies in the people resting and recovering; the army’s damage lies in fighting too many battles. Sun Bin said: Noble moral conduct is the deep foundation of an army. Being trustworthy means clearly proclaiming rewards to soldiers. Soldiers who dare to fight to the death are the kingly trump card of an army. Sun Bin said: There are five conditions for constant victory: the general receives the ruler’s full trust and can command independently—victory; the general understands the laws of war—victory; the general gains the soldiers’ support—victory; the army is united in one heart and one mind—victory; the general fully understands the enemy situation and makes good use of terrain—victory. Sun Bin said: There are also five......