The Rigorous Order of Positions

The methods of warfare require categorizing individuals by virtue and talent, assigning appropriate ranks, establishing military hierarchies, regulating the order of columns and rows, adjusting vertical and horizontal formations, and verifying that titles align with merit. When deploying standing formations, advance with a bow; when in seated formations, move by crawling. When troops fear, tighten the ranks. In dire situations, use seated formations. Observing distant enemies clearly dispels panic; confronting nearby foes with unwavering focus ensures concentrated combat. Soldiers’ positions are distributed by left, right, row, and column. When encamped, use seated formations. Issue commands calmly, specifying each armored soldier’s and unarmed attendant’s position, balancing the urgency of weapon use. If chariots shake and horses grow restless, tighten formations into kneeling or seated postures. Commanders crawl forward to soothe troops with gentle words, steadying their resolve. To attack, rise and charge with shouts and drums. To halt, sound the gongs. When troops march in silence, receive orders, or eat, remain seated; move only by crawling. On the battlefield, enforce discipline with executions to halt hesitation, then roar orders to advance. If terror grips the ranks, cease executions and instead explain paths to survival and glory, compelling each to fulfill their duty.

Orders for small units must be executed within half a day; individual prohibitions must be enforced immediately, even interrupting meals. Strike enemies while they waver in doubt to conquer them.

In warfare:
Full strength ensures endurance; high morale ensures victory.
Firm formations endure; perilous ground spurs triumph.
Eager soldiers stabilize; vigor ensures success.
Armor defends; weapons conquer.
Dense chariots fortify; seated infantry solidify.
Thick armor strengthens; light, swift weapons prevail.

When all desire victory, study whether the enemy can be defeated. When fear arises, discern whether troops dread the foe or their own leaders. Master both ambition and fear, leveraging their strengths—this lies in the commander’s judgment.

In combat:
Small forces against small foes risk stalemate.
Large forces against large foes risk failure.
Small against large ensure defeat.
Large against small demand swift annihilation.
Thus, war tests comparative strength. Encamp with strict preparedness; march in orderly lines; fight with measured rhythm.

Prudence achieves goals; leading by example wins trust. An impatient commander acts rashly; a calm one acts deliberately. Rapid drumbeats urge haste; slow beats order caution. Light clothing enables speed; heavy garb slows movement. With sturdy chariots and fine armor, even small units rival large forces.

A commander who echoes others achieves nothing. A tyrant spills excessive blood. A coward breeds doubt. A zealot cannot win. Men die from gratitude, rage, coercion, righteousness, or greed. Laws suppress fear; righteousness inspires sacrifice. Victory or defeat hinges on aligning with Heaven and human hearts.

Orders for the entire army must be executed within three days; orders for a hundred men within half a day; individual commands instantly. The pinnacle of war is victory through strategy; assault is secondary. Weigh the broader situation and tactical details to choose between stratagem and force.

Victory arises when the army unites as one. Drum signals command:
1. Banner deployment
2. Chariot charge
3. Cavalry gallop
4. Infantry advance
5. Blade engagement
6. Formation alignment
7. Rising or sitting

All seven drum codes must be mastered. In battle, strength must not be overextended. Even vast forces must conserve power—exhaustion invites peril. Formations are easy to arrange but hard to master; mastery lies not in knowledge but in flexible application. Men differ by region; customs vary by province. Moral teaching unites traditions.

Whether victorious or not, remain humble. Neglecting sharp weapons, sturdy armor, solid chariots, strong steeds, or troop numbers betrays ignorance of victory’s essence. Share glory after triumph; emphasize rewards and punishments before the next battle. If defeated, assume blame. In rematches, lead from the front and alter tactics. Never deviate from this principle.

Govern troops with:
Benevolence to rescue them from peril.
Righteousness to spur them to fight.
Wisdom to judge their merits.
Courage to lead them forward.
Authority to command obedience.
Wealth to reward service.
Honor to inspire triumph.

Let thought align with benevolence, action with righteousness, judgment with wisdom, and conquest with courage. Sustain loyalty through trust. Humility and grace harmonize ranks; claiming fault and ceding credit earn devotion.

In combat:
Attack the weak feigning calm; avoid the strong feigning calm.
Strike the exhausted; evade the rested.
Assault the terrified; bypass the prepared.

These are the ancient ways of war.

The Rigorous Order of Positions's Pictures

Chapter Four of Sima Fa: Strict Position