Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 76

System of Formations and Training: Training

Drill Instruction 1

The Tang Dynasty System

During the mid-winter month This refers to the 11th month of the lunar calendar, a traditional time for military reviews after the autumn harvest., military exercises are conducted outside the capital. Eleven days beforehand, the relevant authorities petition for the military exercises to begin. The Ministry of War Ministry of War original: Bingbu (兵部). The administrative department responsible for military appointments, equipment, and logistics. receives the imperial decree and subsequently orders the generals and commanders to select soldiers. They clear the ground to serve as a field, and on the four sides, they erect five markers.

Additionally, a separate earthen enclosure is constructed at the Northern Temple, facing south; this serves as the location where the Imperial Carriage will stop for observation. Three days prior, the Imperial Palace Inspector Imperial Palace Inspector original: Shangshe Fengyu (尚舍奉御). An official responsible for the Emperor's living quarters, including the setting up of imperial tents during travels or ceremonies. sets up the grand ceremonial tent and the imperial seat within the enclosure. They raise banners to create the "Gate of Harmony" original: Hemen (和門). A gate formed by two banners, symbolizing the entrance to a military camp., colored according to the cardinal directions.

In the center of the main enclosure and at its four corners, serrated banners Serrated Banners original: Yaqi (牙旗). Literally "ivory flags," these were large banners with serrated edges used to mark the headquarters of a high-ranking commander. in five colors are erected. The flags, drums, armor, and weapons—all the regalia of state—are fully prepared. From the Great General downwards, each rank has its own commander. The Great General dons his armor and mounts his horse to teach the methods of combat squads.

Whenever teaching formations, the younger men are placed in the front and the elder men are placed in the back. When the formation retreats, this order is reversed. Those with long-range weapons original: chang (長). Refers here to the length of the weapon's reach. carry bows and arrows; those with short-range weapons original: duan (短). carry halberds and spears. Those with great strength carry...