Wubei Zhi (Vol. 31)

Regulations for Military Formations

The bells are shaken Bells original: zhenduo (振鐸). Hand-bells with metal or wooden clappers used in ancient China to command attention or signal civilian and military movements. as the officers circulate through the ranks to alert the masses. The various commanders Guoyi original: guoyi (果毅). Literally "The Resolute and Bold," a specific military rank in the Tang Dynasty Tang-dynasty military system (Fubing), specifically the deputy commander of a militia unit. each recite the oath of service to their respective units.

Then, the drums are sounded, and the officers in charge raise the banners. At this signal, the soldiers all rise; the cavalry and their attendants begin to march. Upon reaching the markers original: biao (表). Physical poles or flags used to mark the boundaries of the drill field or specific maneuver points., the gongs are struck Gong original: zheng (鉦). A bell-shaped bronze instrument used to signal a halt., and the cavalry and attendants come to a stop.

Next, the drums are struck three times, the officers lower the banners, and the soldiers all kneel. The drums are struck once more, the officers raise the banners, and the soldiers all rise; the cavalry gallops and the infantry trott. Upon reaching the markers, they stop.

The East Army strikes a drum and raises a blue flag to form a Linear Formation Linear Formation original: zhizhen (直陣). A straight-line arrangement used for broad frontal advances.. The West Army strikes a drum and raises a white flag to form a Square Formation Square Formation original: fangzhen (方陣). A solid block formation used for defense against cavalry or to provide a sturdy center. in response.

Next, the West Army also drums and raises a red flag to form a Pointed Formation Pointed Formation original: ruizhen (鋭陣). A wedge-shaped formation designed to pierce through enemy lines.. The East Army also drums and raises a black flag to form a Curved Formation Curved Formation original: quzhen (曲陣). A formation with a bent or "U" shape, often used to envelop a charging enemy. in response.

Next, the East Army drums and raises a yellow flag to form a Circular Formation Circular Formation original: yuanzhen (圓陣). A defensive 360-degree formation used when surrounded or protecting a high-value target.. The West Army also drums and raises a blue flag to form a Linear Formation in response.

Next, the West Army drums and raises a white flag to form a Square Formation. The East Army also drums and raises a red flag to form a Pointed Formation in response. Next, the East... The text continues on the following page.