Index

(Chapter 5 to 8)

The book consists of 13 chapters written in Classical Chinese:-

(1) Strategic

(2) Waging War

(3) Attack by Stratagem

(4) Tactical Dispositions

(5) Posture of Army

(6) Weak and Strong Points

(7) Maneuvering

(Posture of Army)

Requirements:

(1) A method of dividing the army

(2) Creating signs and signals such as flags, banners, drums, gongs and names for the troops to be distinguished.

Withstand attacks from the enemy without suffering defeat by using tactics of "Direct and Indirect Maneuvers".



In all fights, use direct methods in battle, but use indirect methods to win the war.



Direct and indirect tactics should always be employed in battles, which have an endless series of maneuvers, combinations and possibilities.

The combination of direct and indirect tactical methods are like:

(1) Inexhaustible haven and earth.

(2) Endless flow of rivers.

(3) Endless sun and moon rises and falls each day.

(4) Four seasons repeated endlessly.

(5) Five musical notes with their different combinations could produce melodies that one has never heard before.

(6) Five primary colors with the different combinations will produce endless hues.

(7) Five basic tastes such as sweet, sour, bitter, chili and salty with different combinations to create endless flavors.

A good General knows how to utilize circumstances and wait for the right moment to attack.

Similar to a fully bended crossbow waiting for the right time to be released relates to:

(1) Momentum - like stones rolling in a torrent of water.

(2) Timing - like a well-timed falcon striking the victim at the precise moment.

Against defeat:

(1) Order in the army is largely dependent on direction and organization.

(2) Avoid overconfidence as it will lead to disaster.

(3) Strength depends on tactical positioning.

(4) The art of skillful deception of the enemy followed by speedy attack.

(1) When not to put undue demand on his sub-ordinates.

(2) Not to demand perfection from the untalented, but select and arrange his army into suitable posts according to the individual capabilities and talents.



(3) To utilize the combined force like a pebble or log, motionless on the ground, but when rolling down a slope, gathering speed and momentum.

Applying to Business:

In the Company:

(1) Select and arrange personnel in different posts according to ability and talent.

(2) Team work is often better than individual effort.

(3) Utilize local resources.

(4) Wait for the right time to expand.

First to be in the field and wait for the enemy will have the upper hand to win the battle with ease rather than later arrival.

Clever General knows how to impose his will on enemy by using bait, tactics and deception together with:-

(1) Attacking enemy when they are at ease.

(2) Starving the enemy by cutting off their food supply.

(3) Keeping the enemy on the move when they want to rest.

(4) Attacking the weakest point of the enemy line.

(5) Gather information as to where the enemy will be.

No fixed Rules for Method of Attack:

Conclusion:

(Maneuvering)

Swiftly arrive at the war-zone before the enemy is critical, but choosing which way to maneuver the army to the war-zone is even more important.

Analyst the different ways to maneuver:

(1) A fully equipped army will delay the journey, but by leaving heavy equipment behind, may result in loosing to the enemy.

(2) For an army travel continuously days & night to the war-zone without halt is not practical.

(3) The war will be lost without heavy arms, provisions and supply base.

(4) Seeking alliances with the neighboring countries around the war-zone could help to win the war.

(5) Familiarity with the terrain of the war-zone is vital.

(6) Employ local guides.

Tactics to use:- Mislead enemy, move when there is real advantage to gain, divide or gather army depending on the circumstances.

(A) Use of Drums and Banners & Flags in the battlefield.

(1) Spoken order cannot carry far enough, then drums will be used to convey the order.
(2) Distinguished Banner & Flags are used to help to identify.

When fighting at night, make use of fire and drums signals, and by day, using banners and flags as a means of communication with the army. These tactics also affect the enemy's sprit.

(B) Soldiers' spirits are higher in the morning, tired & lazy at noon, looking forward to returning to camp in the evening.

Therefore: Avoid attacking the enemy when their spirit is high or looking forward to returning to camp in the evening.

(1) An inaccessible area is not an ideal place to set up camp.

(2) Route to neighboring country from the camp must be easily accessible.

(3) Avoid remote terrain.

(4) Beware of area surrounded by mountains in case of sudden attack.

(5) If surrounded, employ various tactics to fight.

(6) In a hopeless situation, fight with all strength.

(7) Change route to confuse enemy.

(8) Ignore small skirmishes but concentrate on gathering all the army at the main battleground.

(9) Refrain from attacking minor places, but advance to the major strategic center in order to gain a speedy victory.

In the Company:

(1) Change tactics whenever possible.

(2) Always have plans and solutions ready for a sudden change of situation.

(3) The attitudes and approach of the Managers, CEO etc certainly influences the productivity of staff.