The Strategy of Warfare – Boxed Set
TextNapoleon Bonaparte, US Marine Corps, Ardant du Picq, Ernesto Che Guevara, Carl von Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Wu Qi, Confucius, Niccolò Machiavelli, Kautilya, Publius Vegetius Renatus, Sextus Julius Frontinus
The Strategy of Warfare – Boxed Set
The Greatest Military Strategy Books in History: Maxims of War by Napoleon, On War by Clausewitz, Battle Studies by Ardant du Picq, Guerrilla Warfare by Che Guevara US Marine Corps Strategy Manual, Guerrilla Warfare by Che Guevara, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Confucius and Machiavelli, The Book of War by Wu Qi, Arthashastra, Strategemata & De re militari
e-artnow, 2022
Contact: info@e-artnow.org
EAN 4066338122780
Table of Contents
The Book of War (Wu Qi)
The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
The Analects: The Book of Leadership (Confucius)
Arthashastra: The Ancient Indian Book on Wisdom and Strategy (Kautilya)
Strategemata: The Manual of Military Tactics (Sextus Julius Frontinus)
De re military: Organization of the Roman Army and Battle Tactics (Publius Vegetius Renatus)
The Art of War (Niccolò Machiavelli)
On War (Carl von Clausewitz)
Maxims of War (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Battle Studies (Ardant du Picq)
Guerrilla Warfare (Ernesto Che Guevara)
Small Wars Manual: The Strategy of Military Operations (US Marine Corp)
The Book of War
(Wu Qi)
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
I THE GOVERNMENT OF A COUNTRY
II ESTIMATION OF THE ENEMY
III CONTROL OF THE ARMY
IV QUALITIES OF THE GENERAL
V SUITING THE OCCASION
VI ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE TROOPS
INTRODUCTION
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Now Wu, albeit clothed in the raiment of a scholar, was a man skilled in the art of war.
And Wen, Lord of Wei, came unto him and said:—
“I am a man of peace, caring not for military affairs.”
And Wu said:—
“Your actions are witnesses of your mind; why do your words say not what is in your heart?
“You do prepare and dress hides and leather through the four seasons, ornamenting them with red lacquer and the figures of panthers and elephants; which give not warmth in winter, neither in summer, coolness. Moreover, you make halberds, 2418 feet long, and pikes 12 feet long, and leather (covered) chariots so large as to fill up the gateways, wheels with ornament, and naves capped with leather. Now, these are neither beautiful to the eye nor light in the chase; I know not for what use my lord makes these things.
“But, although provided with these instruments of war, if the leader be not competent, a brooding hen might as well strike a badger, or a dog with young challenge the tiger: the spirit of encounter may be present, but there is no end but death.
“In ancient times, the Prince Chengsang cultivated virtue, and put away military things, and his kingdom fell.
“The Prince Yuhu put his trust in numbers, and delighted in war and was driven from the throne.
“Therefore the enlightened ruler should ponder over these things; encourage learning and virtue in the kingdom, and be prepared against war from without.
“To hesitate before the enemy is not a cause for righteousness; remorse for the fallen is not true humanity.”
And when Lord Wen heard these words, he himself spread a seat, and his wife offered up a cup, and Wu was appointed general before the altar.
Now, in the defence of Hsihe against different states there were fought seventy-six great fights, of which sixty-four were complete victories, and the remainder undecided. And the kingdom grew and stretched 1,000 leagues on every side, which was all due to the virtue of Wu.
I
THE GOVERNMENT OF A COUNTRY
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And Wu the Master said:—
The mighty rulers of old first trained their retainers, and then extended their regard to their outlying feudatories.
There are four discords:—
Discord in the state: then never make war.
Discord in the army: then do not strike camp.
Discord in the camp: then do not advance to attack.
Discord in the battle array: then seek not to decide the issue.
Therefore, wise rulers who would employ their subjects in great endeavours, should first establish harmony among them.
Lend not a ready ear to human counsellors, but lay the matter before the altar; seek inside the turtle,19 and consider well the time and season. Then, if all be well, commit ourselves to the undertaking.
If the people know that their lord is careful of their lives, and laments their death beyond all else; then, in the time of danger, the soldiers advance, and, advancing, find glory in death; and in survival after retreat, dishonour.
The Master said:—
The Way must follow the only true path: righteousness lies at the root of achievement and merit.
The object of stratagem is to avoid loss and gain advantage.
The object of government is to guard enterprise and to preserve the state.
If conduct depart from the Way, and the undertaking accord not with righteousness, then disaster befalls the mighty.
Therefore, wise men maintain order by keeping in the Way, and governing with righteousness; they move with discretion, and with benevolence they make the people amenable.
If these four virtues be practised, there is prosperity; if they be neglected, there is decay.
For, when Lord Tang of Cheng defeated Lord Chieh, the people of Hsia rejoiced, and when Wu of Chou defeated Lord Chou, the people of Yin were not discomfited. And this was because it was ordained by Providence and human desire.
The Master said:—
In the government of a country and command of an army, the inculcation of propriety, stimulation of righteousness, and the promotion of a sense of shame are required.
When men possess a sense of shame, they will attack with resolution when in strength, and when few in number defend to the last.
But while victory is easy in attack, it is difficult in defence.
Now, of the fighting races below heaven; those who gained five victories have been worn out; those who have won four victories have been impoverished; three victories have given dominion; two victories have founded a kingdom; and upon one victory an empire has been established.
For those who have gained power on earth by many victories are few; and those who have lost it, many.
The Master said:—
The causes of war are five:—
First, ambition; second, profit; third, overburdened hate; fourth, internal disorder; fifth, famine.
Again, the natures of war are five:—
First, a righteous war; second, a war of might; third, a war of revenge; fourth, a war of tyranny; fifth, an unrighteous war.
The prevention of tyranny and the restoration of order is just; to strike in reliance on numbers is oppression; to raise the standard for reasons of anger is a war of revenge; to quit propriety, and seize advantage is tyranny; when the state is disordered and the people worn out, to harbour designs, and set a multitude in motion, is a war of unrighteousness.
There is a way of overcoming each of these five.
Righteousness is overcome by propriety; might by humanity; revenge by words; tyranny by deception; unrighteousness by strategy.
Lord Wen asked and said:—
“I would know the way to control an army, to measure men, and make the country strong.”
Wu answered and said:—
“The enlightened rulers of antiquity respected propriety between sovereign and people; established etiquette between high and low; settled officials and citizens in close accord; gave instruction in accordance with custom; selected men of ability, and thereby provided against what should come to pass.
“In ancient times, Prince Huan of Chi assembled 50,000 men at arms, and became chief among the princes; Prince Wen of Chin put 40,000 mighty men in the van, and gained his ambition; Prince Mu of Chin gathered together 30,000 invincibles, and subdued his neighbouring foes. Wherefore, the princes of powerful states must consider their people, and assemble the valiant and spirited men by companies.
“Those who delight to attack, and to display their valour and fealty should be formed in companies.
“Those skilful in scaling heights, or covering long distances, and who are quick and light of foot must be collected in companies.
“Retainers who have lost their rank, and who are desirous of displaying their prowess before their superiors should be gathered into companies.
“Those who have abandoned a castle, or deserted their trust, and are desirous of atoning for their misconduct, should be collected and formed into companies.
“These five bodies form the flower of the army. With 3,000 of such troops, if they issue from within, an encompassing enemy can be burst asunder; if they enter from without, a castle can be overthrown.”
Lord Wen asked and said:—
“I desire to know how to fix the battle array, render defence secure, and attack with certainty of victory.”
Wu answered and said:—
“To see with the eye is better than ready words. Yet, I say, if the wise men be put in authority and the ignorant in low places, then the army is already arranged.
“If the people be free from anxiety about their estates, and love their officials, then defence is already secure.
“If all the lieges be proud of their lord, and think ill of neighbouring states, then is the battle already won.”
The Lord Wen once assembled a number of his subjects to discuss affairs of state: and none could equal him in wisdom, and when he left the council chamber his face was pleased.
Then Wu advanced and said:—
In ancient times, Lord Chuang of Chu once consulted with his lieges, and none were like unto him in wisdom; and when the Lord left the council chamber his countenance was troubled. Then the Duke Shen asked and said: “Why is my Lord troubled?” And he answered: “I have heard that the world is never without sages, and that in every country there are wise men; that good advisers are the foundation of an empire; and friends of dominion. Now, if I, lacking wisdom, have no equal among the multitude of my officers, dangerous indeed is the state of Chu. It grieves me that whereas Prince Chuang of Chu was troubled in a like case my Lord should be pleased.”
And hearing this Lord Wen was inwardly troubled.
II
ESTIMATION OF THE ENEMY
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And Lord Wen said to Wu:—
“Chin threatens us on the west; Chu surrounds us on the south; Chao presses us in the north; Chi watches us in the east; Yen stops our rear, and Han is posted in our front. Thus, the armies of six nations encompass us on every side, and our condition is very unpropitious. Canst thou relieve my anxiety?”
Wu answered and said:—
“The path of safety of a state lies first of all in vigilance. Now my Lord has already taken warning, wherefore misfortunes are yet distant.
“Let me state the habits of these six countries. The forces of Chi are weighty but without solidity; the soldiers of Chin are scattered, and fight each of his own accord: the army of Chu is well ordered, but cannot endure: the soldiers of Yen defend well, but are without dash: the armies of the three Chins are well governed, but cannot be used.
“The nature of Chi is stubborn and the country rich, but prince and officials are proud and luxurious, and neglectful of the common people; government is loose and rewards not impartial; in one camp there are two minds; the front is heavy, but the rear is light. Therefore it is ponderous without stability. To attack it, the force must be divided into three parts, and, by threatening it on three sides, its front can be broken.
“The nature of Chin is strong, the country rugged, and the government firm; rewards and punishments just, the people indomitable, and all have the fighting spirit; wherefore, when separated, each fights of his own accord.
“To defeat this people, they must first be tempted by gain to leave their cause, so that the soldiers, greedy of profit, desert their general: then, taking advantage of their disobedience, their scattered forces can be chased, ambushes laid, favourable opportunities taken, and their general captured.
“The nature of Chu is weak, its territory wide, the government weak, and the people exhausted; the troops are well ordered but of short endurance.
“The way to defeat them is to assault their camp, throw it into confusion and crush their spirit, advance softly, and retire quickly; tire them out, avoid a serious encounter, and they may be defeated.
“The nature of Yen is straightforward; its people are cautious, loving courage and righteousness, and without guile; wherefore they defend but are not daring.
“The way to defeat them is to draw close and press them; tease them and pass to a distance; move quickly, and appear in the rear, thus causing bewilderment to their officers and fear in their ranks. Our chariots and horsemen will act with circumspection and avoid encounter. Thus their general can be captured.
“The three Chins are the middle kingdom: their nature is peaceful and their rule just. Their people are tired of war; their troops are trained, but their leaders are despised; pay is small, and the soldiers lack the spirit of sacrifice, thus they are well governed but cannot be used.
“The way to defeat them is to threaten them from afar. If a multitude attack—defend; if they retreat—pursue, and tire them out.
“In every army there are mighty warriors with strength to lift the Censer, swifter of foot than the war horse; who can take the enemy’s standard, or slay his general. If such men be selected, and set apart, cared for and honoured, they are the life of the army.
“Those who use the five arms20 with skill, who are clever, strong and quick, and careless of the enemy, should be given rank and decoration, and used to decide the victory. Their parents and families should be cared for, encouraged by rewards, and kept in fear of punishment. These men consolidate the battle array; their presence causes endurance.
“If these men be well selected, double their number can be defeated.”
And Lord Wen said:—
“It is good!”
Wu the Master said:—
“In the estimation of the enemy there are eight cases when, without consulting the oracles, he may be attacked.
“First, an enemy who, in great wind and cold, has risen early, started forth across ice and rivers, and braved stress and hardships.
“Second, an enemy who, in the height of summer, and in great heat, has risen early, has travelled incessantly, is hungry and without water, and is striving to reach a distance.
“Third, an enemy who has been encamped long in one place, who is without provisions, when the farmers are vexed and indignant, who has suffered frequent calamities, and whose officers are unable to establish confidence.
“Fourth, when the enemy’s funds are exhausted, fuel and fodder scarce; when the heavens have been overcast by long continued rain; when there is the desire to loot, but no place to loot withal.
“Fifth, when their numbers are few; when water is scarce; when men and horses are scourged by pestilence, and from no quarter is succour at hand.
“Sixth, when night falls, and the way is yet far; when officers and men are worn out and fearful, weary and without food, and have laid aside their armour and are resting.
“Seventh, when the general’s authority is weak, the officials false, and the soldiers unsettled; when their army has been alarmed, and no help is forthcoming.
“Eighth, when the battle formation is not yet fixed, or camp pitched; when climbing a hill, or passing through a difficult place; when half is hidden and half exposed.
“An enemy in these situations may be smitten without hesitation.
“There are six enemies, that, without consulting oracles, should be avoided.
“First, wide and vast territories, and a large and rich population.
“Second, where the officials care for the people, and bestow bountiful favours and rewards.
“Third, where rewards are well deserved, punishment accurately apportioned, and operations undertaken only when the time is fitting.
“Fourth, where merit is recognised and given rank, wise men appointed, and ability employed.
“Fifth, where the troops are many and their weapons excellent.
“Sixth, when help is at hand on every side, or from a powerful ally.
“For, if the enemy excel in the foregoing, he must be avoided without hesitation. As it is written, if it be judged good, advance; if it be known to be difficult, retreat.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“I desire to know how the interior of the enemy can be known from his outer appearance; the form of his camp by observing his advance, and how victory may be determined?”
And Wu answered and said:—
“If the coming of the enemy be reckless like roaring waters, his banners and pennons disordered, and horses and men frequently looking behind, then ten can be struck with one. Panic will certainly seize them.
“Before the various princes have assembled, before harmony has been established between lord and lieges, before ditches have been dug, or regulations established, and the army is alarmed; wishing to advance, but unable; wishing to retreat, but unable: then the force can strike twice their numbers, and in a hundred fights there is no fear of retreat.”
Lord Wen asked:—
“How can the enemy be certainly defeated?”
Wu answered and said:—
“Make certain of the enemy’s real condition and quickly strike his weak point; strike an enemy who has just arrived from afar, before his ranks are arranged; or one who has eaten and has not completed his dispositions; or an enemy who is hurrying about, or is busily occupied; or has not made favourable use of the ground, or has let pass the opportunity; or one who has come a long distance, and those in rear are late and have not rested.
“Strike an enemy who is half across waters; or who is on a difficult or narrow road; or whose flags and banners are in confusion; or who is frequently changing position; or whose general is not in accord with the soldiers; or who is fearful.
“All such should be assaulted by the picked men; and the remainder of the army should be divided, and follow after them. They may be attacked at once without hesitation.”
II
CONTROL OF THE ARMY
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Lord Wen said:—
“What is of first importance in operations of war?”
Wu answered and said:—
“Lightness, of which there are four natures, Weight, of which there are two natures, and Confidence must be clearly comprehended.”
And Wen said:—
“What are these?”
And Wu answered:—
“If the way be easy, the horses are light of foot; if the horses be light of foot, the chariots travel freely; if the chariots travel easily, men can ride in them without difficulty; if the men be free to move, the fight prospers. If the difficult and easy ways be known, the horses are lightened; if the horses be fed at proper intervals, the chariots are swift; if there be plenty of oil on the axles of the chariots, the riders are quickly conveyed; if the spears be sharp and the armour strong, the men make the fight easy.
“Large rewards in advance, heavy punishment in retreat, and impartiality in their bestowal are required.
“He who well understands these things is the master of victory.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“By what means can the army gain the victory?”
And Wu answered:—
“The foundation of victory is good government.”
Again, Wen asked and said:—
“Is it not determined by numbers?”
And Wu replied:—
“If laws and orders be not clear; if rewards and punishments be not just; if the bell be sounded and they halt not, or drum be beaten and men do not advance; even if there be a hundred thousand men at arms, they are of no avail.
“Where there is order, then there is propriety at rest, and dignity in motion; none can withstand the attack, and retreat forbids pursuit; motion is regulated, and movements to right and left are made in answer to the signal; if the ranks be cut asunder, formation is preserved; if scattered, they are maintained; in fortune or in danger, there is unity; if a number be collected, they cannot be separated; they may be used but not wearied; in whatever situation they are placed, nothing under heaven can withstand them. The army may be called a father and his children.”
And Wu said:—
“In marching, movements and halts must be properly adjusted, suitable occasions for rationing not missed; the strength of men and horses not exhausted. If these three things be observed, the commands of the superior can be carried out; if the commands of the superior be carried out, order is maintained. If advances and halts be without method, victualling unsuitable, horses and men tired and weary—neither unsaddled or housed—it is because the orders cannot be obeyed; if the orders be set aside, there is disorder in the camp, and in battle—defeat.”
Wu the Master said:—
“On that depository of corpses, the battlefield, if there be certain expectation of death, there is life; if there be happy expectation of life, there is death. The good general is like unto one sitting in a leaking ship, or lying under a burning roof; the wisest man cannot contrive against him; the strongest man cannot destroy his composure; and the enemy’s onslaught can be withstood. For procrastination is the greatest enemy of the general; disasters to the army are born of indecision.”
Wu the Master said:—
“Men meet their death from lack of ability or unskilfulness. Wherefore training is the first requirement of war. One man with a knowledge of war can teach ten; ten men skilled in war can teach one hundred; one hundred can teach one thousand; one thousand can teach ten thousand; and ten thousand men can train an army.
“An enemy from a distance should be awaited, and struck at short range; an enemy that is tired should be met in good order; hunger should be opposed by full bellies; the battle formation should be round or square, the men should kneel or stand; go or remain; move to the right or left; advance or retire; concentrate or disperse; close or extend when the signal is given.
“All these changes must be learnt, and the weapons distributed. This is the business of the general.”
Wu the Master said:—
“In the teaching of war, spears are given to the short; bows and catapults to the tall; banners and standards to the strong; the bell and drum to the bold; fodder and provisions to the feeble; the arrangement of the plan to the wise. Men of the same district should be united; and groups and squads should help each other. At one beat of the drum the ranks are put in order; at two beats of the drum, formation will be made; at three beats of the drum, food will be issued; at four beats of the drum, the men will prepare to march; at five beats of the drum, ranks will be formed; when the drums beat together, then the standards will be raised.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“What is the way of marching and halting an army?”
And Wu answered:—
“Natural ovens and dragons’ heads should be avoided. Natural ovens are the mouths of large valleys. Dragons’ heads are the extremities of large mountains. The green dragons (banners) should be placed on the left, and the white tigers on the right; the red sparrows in front; the snakes and tortoises behind; the pole star (standard) above; and the soldiers will look to the standard.
“When going forth to battle, the direction of the wind must be studied; if blowing in the direction of the enemy, the soldiers will be assembled and follow the wind; if a head wind, the position will be strengthened, and a wait made for the wind to change.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“In what way should horses be treated?”
And Wu answered and said:—
“The places where they are kept should be made comfortable; fodder should be suitable and timely. In winter their stables should be warmed, and in summer sheltered from the heat; their coats clipped, their feet carefully pared, their attention directed so that they be not alarmed, their paces regulated, and their going and halting trained; horses and men should be in accord, and then the horses can be used. The harness, the saddle, bit, bridle, and reins must be strong; if the horse be without vice at the beginning, he can be used to the end; if the horse be hungry it is good; if his belly be full, his value decreases; if the sun be falling and the way still long, dismount frequently. For it is proper that the men be worked, but the horses must be used with discretion, so that they may be prepared should the enemy suddenly attack us.
“If these things be well known, then there is free passage under heaven.”