ABSTRACT
The centralization of military power has been considered one of the chief characteristics of Song military policy. Many historians have argued that Song emperors were always suspicious of military men, because their dynasty was established through a military coup. The policy of centralizing forces and asserting the supremacy of the civil, however, provides an incomplete picture of Song military history. One of the unique innovations of the Song was to expand both educational institutions and the examination system. Although the initial attempt to create a military examination and academy failed, the need to recruit military talent remained, which forced the successors of Renzong to make another effort. Due to the failure of the court's system of military education and recruit ment, military skills and knowledge generally remained hereditary in the Song. The military academy was also resuscitated, as some officials insisted on the necessity of military education.
