Book X 623and inspected them in autumn and winter. Because people were taught in
the art of war all year around, their military skill was outstanding, and
because the military training was provided both in the capital and local
provinces alike, it turned out to be effective in every crisis. Thanks to such
a military training system, the Zhou dynasty was able to endure.
“In the Western Han, the emperor drove a war chariot, wielding a
crossbow. Bestowing silk upon military officers, he had them teach the art
of war cultivated by Sun Wu and Wu Qi and practice various battle forma-
tions. Gathering the troops from five divisions, he made them practice the
Eight Array Formation (Bazhenfa). This military training conducted in the
capital was called chengfa. Every commandery had the governor and defender
(duwei) evaluate the performance of individuals for their military skill, so
all officers practiced military skills, whether they were charioteers or naval
officers. Hence, it was called dushi, nationwide military training, because
military training was carried out both in the central and local governments.
Since Emperor Gaozu of Han frequented battlefields, he had chances to
study the advantages and disadvantages [related to warfare, including mili-
tary training] and consequently left an outstanding military training system
for his posterity.
“The Qin lost the military training system, and military training was car-
ried out only in the capital, and even that system was abolished later. It
dominated the world with wealth and power but was unable to defend
Hanguguan Pass^28 when common people rose in rebellion, and this is
because it failed to have any military training system.
“The Eastern Han abolished the offices of defenders (duwei) and com-
mandants (hou) as well as the dushi system and also eliminated the people
such as charioteers and naval officers from the armed forces. The govern-
ment continued to neglect military training and wariness about the dangers
of possible disturbances, so it eventually encouraged barbarians to take
their chances. Once a disturbance broke out, the government sent people off
into battle, and those who had no experience in archery or horse- riding had
to fight with the well- trained enemy soldiers. That was the reason they were
defeated whenever they fought. Driving the people into battle without proper
military training is just like abandoning them. If one looks into the cause of
- A strategic pass in ancient China south of the great eastern bend of the Yellow River
in today’s Lingbao, Henan Province. It was built by the State of Qin in 361 b c to serve as its
eastern gate.