均兵

King Wu asked Taigong: "When chariots fight infantry, how many infantry equal one chariot? When cavalry fights infantry, how many infantry equal one cavalryman? When chariots fight cavalry, how many cavalry equal one chariot?" Taigong said: "Chariots are the wings of the army — they breach solid formations, intercept strong enemies, and cut off retreating forces. Cavalry are the army's scouts — they pursue defeated armies, sever supply lines, and strike raiders of opportunity. However, when chariots and cavalry are not engaged on favorable ground, a single cavalryman cannot match even one infantryman. When the three armies form battle lines and face each other on level terrain, the ratios are: one chariot equals eighty infantry, and eighty infantry equal one chariot; one cavalryman equals eight infantry, and eight infantry equal one cavalryman; one chariot equals ten cavalry, and ten cavalry equal one chariot. On difficult terrain, the ratios are: one chariot equals forty infantry, and forty infantry equal one chariot; one cavalryman equals four infantry, and four infantry equal one cavalryman; one chariot equals six cavalry, and six cavalry equal one chariot. Chariots and cavalry are the army's striking force. Ten chariots can defeat a thousand men, a hundred chariots can defeat ten thousand. Ten cavalry can defeat a hundred men, a hundred cavalry can rout a thousand. These are the general figures."

King Wu said: "What are the officer assignments and formation methods for chariots and cavalry?" Taigong said: "For chariot officer assignments: five chariots to one squad leader, ten chariots to one officer, fifty chariots to one captain, one hundred chariots to one general. On level terrain: five chariots form one line, spaced forty paces apart front to rear, ten paces left to right, with sixty paces between formations. On difficult terrain: chariots must follow the roads; ten chariots form one cluster, twenty chariots form one garrison, spaced twenty paces front to rear, six paces left to right, with thirty-six paces between formations. Each group of five chariots has one squad leader, with groups spaced two li apart in every direction, each returning along its designated route. For cavalry officer assignments: five riders to one squad leader, ten riders to one officer, one hundred riders to one captain, two hundred riders to one general. On level terrain: five riders form one line, spaced twenty paces front to rear, four paces left to right, with fifty paces between formations. On difficult terrain: ten paces front to rear, two paces left to right, with twenty-five paces between formations. Thirty riders form one garrison, sixty riders form one brigade, with one officer per ten riders, groups spaced one hundred paces apart in every direction, circling and each returning to its original position." King Wu said: "Excellent!"