The ancient military codes state: Since voices cannot be heard across the ranks, metal drums are used. Since movements cannot be seen clearly, banners are raised.
Drums and banners serve to unify the eyes and ears of the troops. Once all act as one, the bold dare not advance alone, nor the timid retreat privately. This is the method of commanding large armies.
Therefore, night battles rely more on torches and drums, while daytime battles use more banners. These devices guide and coordinate the troops’ senses and actions.
Note
This chapter explains gongs, drums and banners unify troops’ sight and hearing to keep coordinated actions, preventing reckless solo advances or retreats. Night battles use torches and drums, while daytime fights rely on flags to deliver unified battlefield orders.
A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.
Drums and banners
Traditional ancient military command tools for advance, retreat and formation changes.
Unify troops
Make all soldiers follow unified orders and maintain discipline.
Night & day tactics
Different command means adopted according to visibility conditions.
軍政曰：「言不相聞，故為金鼓；視不相見，故為旌旗。」夫金鼓旌旗者，所以一人之耳目也；人既專一，則勇者不得獨進，怯者不得獨退，此用眾之法也。故夜戰多火鼓，晝戰多旌旗，所以變人之耳目也。
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