Wubei Zhi (Vol. 31)

Procedures for the Drill Ground

It is essential that each camp manages its own distinct duties, ensuring that commands and signals are clear and well-defined. In all training for battle formations:

Every fifty men form a squad. Starting from the camp, they wrap their spear-banners original: qiangfan (槍幡). These are small pennants attached to spears, used to identify units and signal movements. and proceed to the drill ground original: jiaochang (教場). A dedicated field for military exercises and reviews.. In the left and right wings, each follows their squad order, unfurls their banners, and establishes their formation. The distance between each squad must be ten paces, and the squad itself occupies a square area of ten paces, ensuring the distribution is even.

The reserve units zhudui (駐隊): literally "stationary squads," these are units held back from the front line to fill gaps or act as a tactical reserve fill the open spaces, remaining twenty paces behind the front squads. Once the deployment is finished, the unit commanders original: shijiang (十將). Mid-to-low level officers responsible for implementing the General's orders at the squad level. from the various camps shall immediately go to the Great General’s location to receive their orders. Positioned with one combat squad between them, they shall stand facing forward and each advance fifty paces.

Listen for the sound of the horn.

• When the first blast ceases, all squads shall immediately disperse and stand in their designated positions.
• When the second blast ceases, all squads shall simultaneously lower their spears original: naqiang (捺槍). A movement where the spearhead is pressed toward the ground, often used when preparing for a different weapon or as a sign of readiness., furl their banners, string their bows, and draw their swords.
• When the third blast ceases, all squads shall simultaneously raise their spears.
• When the fourth blast ceases, all squads shall simultaneously stow their spears original: longqiang (籠槍). Likely referring to placing the spears in a vertical, resting position or "caging" them. and drop to a kneeling position.

The soldiers' eyes must watch the Great Yellow Flag at the Chief Controller’s original: da zongguan (大總管) position, and their ears must listen for the sound of the drums. When the yellow flag moves forward, it is followed by the sound of the drums...