Lian Bing Shi Ji (A Record of Military Training)
Lian Bing Shi Ji (A Record of Military Training) is a specialized military training manual compiled between 1568 and 1571 by Qi Jiguang, an outstanding Ming Dynasty strategist and famous commander known for resisting Japanese pirates (wokou). Created in response to the decline of the Ming military system and low combat effectiveness, the book systematically outlines a practical training regimen—from individual soldier skills to full-unit coordination—based on Qi Jiguang's firsthand experience fighting pirates in the southeast and defending the northern frontiers. It is not only a key document of Ming military reform but also a rare, detailed classical manual on the organization and training methods of armies in the cold weapon era. It profoundly embodies the pragmatic military philosophy of "training for war, not for show."
Core Philosophy
1. Addressing Contemporary Flaws with Practicality: Distressed by the prevalence of "flashy techniques" (useless martial arts displays) and poor combat readiness in the armies of his time, Qi Jiguang insisted that all training must focus on real battlefield requirements ("as if in actual combat") and eliminate impractical moves.
2. A Systematic Training Philosophy: He advocated for the integrated development of "training courage, training skills, training formations, and training officers," forging soldiers' mental fortitude, individual prowess, tactical coordination, and officers' command abilities as a unified whole.
3. The "Carrot and Stick" Approach to Army Management: He emphasized strict military discipline and absolute obedience to orders while also advocating for caring for the troops and sharing their hardships. Through the practice of his "Qi Family Army," he successfully created a model force known for its strict discipline and formidable combat power.
Content System & Training Methods
The book is divided into nine volumes with extremely detailed and highly actionable content:
1. Soldier Selection & Individual Training: It details criteria for selecting soldiers and outlines progressive training starting from basic military posture and command recognition to mastering the practical techniques of various weapons (like wolf brushes, long spears, rattan shields, and tridents).
2. Tactical Training Centered on the "Mandarin Duck Formation": It systematically explains his innovative "Mandarin Duck Formation" and its derivative squad tactics. Training focuses on the division of labor and cooperation within small teams to maximize the combined effectiveness of long and short weapons for integrated offense and defense.
3. Battalion Formations, Signals & Commands: It details the methods for battalion-level unit deployment, marching, and encampment, as well as how to use flags, gongs, drums, and horns for command and communication in complex environments.
4. Officer Development & Assessment: A dedicated volume on "Training Officers" outlines the virtues, knowledge, and practical skills required of commanders and designs corresponding methods for their development and evaluation.
5. Equipment Management & Logistical Thought: It provides specific regulations for weapon maintenance, ration distribution, and medical care, reflecting an emphasis on comprehensive support capabilities.
Military Value
1. Proven Effectiveness in Combat: The "Qi Family Army," trained according to this manual, achieved an unbroken record of victory in battles against pirates and frontier defense, proving the extreme effectiveness of its training system.
2. A Paradigm Shift in Military Training: It marked a transition in ancient Chinese military training from emphasizing individual martial arts to focusing on organizational discipline and coordinated teamwork—a more modern approach whose influence lasted until the late Qing Dynasty.
3. A Valuable Source for Military-Social History: Its detailed descriptions of the Ming military system, officer-soldier relations, and barrack life provide a unique perspective for studying Ming social history.
4. A Timeless Model of Military Management: Its integrated philosophy of human resource selection, standardized training, organizational culture building, and process management remains deeply insightful for modern organizational management and team building.
In summary, Lian Bing Shi Ji is a great work that translates advanced military thought into replicable, executable plans. It is not only the pinnacle of army building in the cold weapon era but also, with its profound systematicity, practicality, and humanistic concern, serves as a timeless textbook on management and leadership.
