Selecting Talent

When an army sets out, its organization should be based on the soldiers’ abilities and characteristics. Those with strong fighting spirit, who delight in battle and dare to confront strong enemies alone, should be gathered into one unit and called “soldiers who repay the state.” Those whose spirit overwhelms the three armies and who are full of physical strength and agile bravery should be gathered into one unit and called “assault-formation soldiers.” Those who are light of foot and run like horses should be gathered into one unit and called “flag-seizing soldiers.” Those who shoot from horseback as swiftly as flying and never miss should be gathered into one unit and called “vanguard-contending soldiers.” Those who always hit their target and whose hits kill the enemy should be gathered into one unit and called “flying gallopers.” Those who are skilled in using strong crossbows and can hit targets at long range should be gathered into one unit and called “spearhead-breaking soldiers.” These six types are all outstanding talents in the army, and they should be......