Strategic Military Distribution in 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu

Military maneuvers are crucial for gaining an advantage in warfare. They determine the mobility and effectiveness of troops. Strategies like quickly traversing mountains to observe the enemy from a valley, considering lighting effects, and maintaining high ground positions are emphasized.

Combat strategies include attacking from higher ground, avoiding uphill battles, and not engaging enemies in water. It is advised to let half of the enemy troops pass before dividing and attacking them. Additionally, avoiding unfavorable conditions and not camping downstream to prevent surprise attacks are key tactics.

In various terrains, specific tactics are recommended. For example, in swamps, quick traversal is advised. In plains, positioning for easy maneuvering with elevation behind and to the right is crucial. Preference for high ground due to its stimulating effect and avoidance of low, damp terrains to prevent diseases are highlighted.

Maintaining soldiers' physical health is essential for invincibility in an army. Utilizing sunny sides of mounds and terraces, as well as exploiting favorable terrain factors, provides military advantage. Avoiding treacherous terrains and swiftly abandoning hazardous areas are emphasized for strategic superiority.

Effective strategic positioning involves staying away from terrain hazards while ensuring adversaries are closer to them. By facing these hazards, the enemy is left with unfavorable conditions, granting a tactical advantage. Careful scrutiny of mountainous territories, water bodies, and potential ambush sites is crucial to thwarting enemy tactics.

Analyzing enemy behavior is key to understanding their intentions. Calmness near the enemy indicates a strong position, while provocation from a distance signals a desire for engagement. Assessing the accessibility of the enemy's position provides insights into their strategic advantage.

When an adversary does not maintain a favorable position due to terrain conditions and shifts to a more advantageous location, it indicates a tactical advantage. Various environmental cues such as moving trees signaling enemy approach, obstacles in bushes indicating a wrong path, and hidden troops among obstacles to create a sense of ambush, provide crucial insights into enemy movements.

Observing the behavior of enemy emissaries is key to understanding their intentions. If they speak humbly while intensifying war preparations, it signifies an upcoming advance. Conversely, if they boast and make ostentatious displays, it suggests a forthcoming retreat. Additionally, peace overtures without a formal treaty may hint at sinister plots.

Enemy movements like rapidly deploying combat formations or dividing troops to lure into a trap reveal strategic thinking. The enemy's reluctance to engage in ordinary encounters unless reinforcements are expected highlights the importance of anticipating and preparing for potential surprises.

Various environmental cues such as hungry soldiers supporting each other, thirsty troops signaled by water carriers drinking first, and tired adversaries failing to capitalize on advantages provide valuable insights into the enemy's physical and mental state, aiding in strategic decision-making.

Signs like flag movements indicating confusion, lack of discipline within the ranks leading to disarray, and emissaries displaying irritation due to fatigue reflect the state of army discipline. Murmurs, lack of loyalty, and open discussions among soldiers signify a breakdown in command authority and troop cohesion.

Extreme measures such as killing horses for food due to lack of supplies, soldiers being completely desperate without cooking utensils, and engaging in murmurs and undisciplined behavior highlight a critical stage of desperation and disarray within the enemy ranks, indicating vulnerabilities to exploit.

When the enemy is in a deadlock, orders excessive punishments, and rewards soldiers constantly to prevent mass rebellion, it indicates desperation. If soldiers are too exhausted to follow orders and are repeatedly punished to restore authority, it shows the enemy's desperate situation.

Being violent initially and then fearing one's own soldiers is the height of incompetence. It is crucial to avoid unnecessary violence in military matters, consolidate power, assess the enemy, and gather troops for strategic advantage.

An enemy acting alone, lacking strategy, and underestimating adversaries will inevitably face defeat. Failing to plan for retreat or post-attack steps, relying solely on soldier strength, and disregarding enemy capabilities will lead to certain capture.

Punishing soldiers before earning their loyalty leads to disobedience, making them difficult to employ. Conversely, failing to discipline even after gaining loyalty results in arrogance and unusable soldiers. Building trust and loyalty through disciplined leadership ensures effective utilization of troops.

Leading with civilized art and martial techniques ensures continuous victory. Civilized art symbolizes humanity, while martial techniques represent regulations. Command with compassion and strictness, guaranteeing victory through clear, consistent orders that are accepted and understood by troops.