Wubei Zhi, Volume 26

Military Training System

Instruction on Flags, Part 1

For the directional troops original: fangmian bing (方面兵). These are the soldiers assigned to specific cardinal directions in the formation., when there is an urgent need to advance, the flag must be held upright; they then proceed immediately. If the flag is laid flat, they return immediately. One must carefully observe the flag raised by the Great General, which must follow the signals of the Regional Commander original: jiedushi (節度使). A powerful military governor or high-ranking commander, a title common from the Tang through the Ming dynasties..

Every squad is provided with one flag. When the squad is moving, the flag leads them; when they stop, it stands in front of the squad. The Chief Controller original: zongguan (總管). A high-level military administrative and tactical officer. and the Vice Controller display ten or more flags. The Sub-Controller original: zi zongguan (子總管). Literally "Child Controller," a subordinate officer to the Zongguan. displays four or more flags. When on the move, these are held at the front; when stationary, they are planted beside the command tent.

The Unit Leaders original: tongtou (統頭). Low-to-mid level officers in charge of specific subdivisions. are also given flags of distinct colors. These are used when approaching the battlefield to distinguish the specific signals for advancing, retreating, or halting the squads. Different styles and designs are crafted for heavy and light units original: qingzhong (輕重). Referring to light infantry/cavalry versus heavy armor or artillery units., ensuring that each army camp and squad can recognize its own specific banners.

If the number of soldiers is particularly large and the army camps are numerous, and if identifying flags by color alone is difficult from a distance, then each camp may paint birds or beasts original: qinshou (禽獸). Using animal heraldry (like tigers, dragons, or leopards) allowed soldiers to identify their specific regiment visually without relying on color theory alone. as their own markers; this is also acceptable. Otherwise, the body and the "feet" original: qishen qijiao (旗身旗腳). Refers to the main field of the flag and the streamers or borders attached to it. of the flags can simply use the Five Directional Colors These colors are: East (Blue/Green), South (Red), West (White), North (Black), and Center (Yellow). in alternating combinations. This makes them much easier to distinguish. Only—