King Wu asked: 'Please describe their categories.' Taigong said: 'One confidant, who assists in planning, responds to crises, gauges heaven and dissolves threats, oversees all strategies, and preserves the lives of the people. Five counselors, who plan for safety and danger, anticipate what has not yet sprouted, evaluate conduct and ability, clarify rewards and punishments, assign offices, resolve doubts, and determine what is feasible. Three astronomers, who manage the star calendar, observe winds and weather, calculate auspicious days, examine portents, compare anomalies, and discern the turning points of popular sentiment. Three geographers, who manage the army's movements and terrain formations, intelligence on advantages and threats, distances and difficulties, rivers and mountain obstacles, so that no terrain advantage is lost. Nine military specialists, who discuss similarities and differences in doctrine, analyze successes and failures in campaigns, select and test weapons, and report violations of regulations. Four supply officers, who manage food and drink, stockpiles, supply routes, and grain procurement, ensuring the three armies do not suffer deprivation. Four morale officers, who select men of strength and ability, manage weapons and equipment, and strike like wind and lightning from unknown directions. Three signal officers, who manage concealed flags and drums, sharpen the army's eyes and ears, forge false tallies, issue deceptive commands, and come and go suddenly as though by divine power. Four garrison officers, who bear heavy burdens and endure hardship, dig moats and trenches, and build walls and ramparts to prepare defenses. Three versatile officers, who gather what is overlooked and remedy errors, receive and attend to guests, conduct discussions and negotiations, and resolve problems and untangle complications. Three special operations officers, who carry out extraordinary stratagems, devise unprecedented methods that no one can fathom, and execute limitless transformations. Seven intelligence officers, who go back and forth to hear words and observe changes, surveying events in all four directions and conditions within the army. Five assault officers, who display military might, inspire the three armies, and lead them to brave danger and attack the sharpest points without hesitation. Four reputation officers, who spread the army's fame, awe distant regions, shake the four borders, and weaken the enemy's resolve. Eight roving agents, who watch for treachery and detect changes, open and close human sentiments, observe the enemy's intentions, and serve as spies. Two occult specialists, who devise cunning deceptions and invoke ghosts and spirits to bewilder the enemy's minds. Two physicians, who manage all medicines, treat battle wounds, and cure all manner of illness. Two accountants, who manage the finances of the three armies — the income and expenditure of camps, provisions, and materiel.'
