ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes a number of Sun Pin's observations on the nature of military affairs and in particular the essence of the army. The individual principles, which equally draw upon Suntzu's thoughts, are self-explanatory. "Gaining the masses" required minimizing the length, and frequency of campaigns by pursuing an enlightened military policy that allowed for adequate rest. Accordingly, Sun Pin is praised for having opposed frequent and extensive warfare, although he was hardly alone among the military thinkers, all of whom viewed warfare as the greatest affair of state. Certain characteristics are deemed critical to forging an effective military force: selecting the men, imposing regulations and developing strict discipline, fostering trust and certainty so that commands will be immediately obeyed and rewards and punishments will be effective, and creating and nurturing internal coherence, unity, and harmony.
