Military Campaign Authorization and Execution

A procedure for conducting authorized military operations with proper justification and discipline.

Overview

Based on the Battle of Gan (甘之战), this procedure outlines proper authorization, justification, and execution of military campaigns.

Steps

1. Identify Just Cause

   • Document enemy's violations (e.g., 威侮五行 - violating natural order)
   • List specific transgressions (e.g., 怠弃三正 - abandoning proper governance)
   • Frame as execution of heaven's punishment

2. Issue Proclamation

   • Summon military commanders (六卿)
   • Deliver formal declaration (誓)
   • State charges against enemy clearly

3. Establish Battle Discipline

   • Define specific duties for each position (left, right, charioteer)
   • Communicate consequences for failure
   • Set reward and punishment criteria

4. Execute Engagement

   • Maintain formation discipline
   • Each soldier performs assigned role
   • Follow chain of command

5. Enforce Accountability

   • Reward: Honor at ancestral shrine (赏于祖)
   • Punishment: Execution at the altar (僇于社)
   • Family consequences for dereliction

Decision Points

• If enemy submits, consider leniency
• If troops disobey, apply stated consequences immediately

Expected Outcomes

• Legitimate military action
• Disciplined forces
• Clear accountability
• Victory through proper conduct

Validation

• Verify that a just cause has been documented with specific enemy transgressions before the proclamation is issued
• Confirm that all positions (left, right, charioteer) have clearly defined duties and know the consequences for failure
• Check that post-battle rewards (赏于祖) and punishments (僇于社) are applied consistently according to stated criteria