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Agricultural Implements

Disciplines > Warfare > The Six Secret Teachings > 3.13 Agricultural Implements

Teaching set  | Observed lessons | Discussion | See also

Teaching set

Martial Secret Teachings 3.13 (30)

Observed lessons

• Utilize the implements of peace for war.
• Be creative. Use the materials to hand.
• Use the transportation systems you already have.
• The physical skills of agriculture are also useful, from cutting to digging.

Discussion

When war starts, unless you have a large stockpile of weapons, you will have to make do with what you have. And in an agricultural society, there will be many agricultural implements available. Likewise, you need many soldiers and will have to make do with the people you can conscript.

In history, many tools from hoes to scythes have been used directly as weapons. Other weapons have been made by modifying metal implements to make spears, swords and so on. In more recent times, the improvised explosive device (IED) and other home-made bombs have been used to lethal effect.

It also makes sense to use people who are already managers as officers. When they have the skills of command, these are useful. You can then add additional training as needed. Other people will be engineers, cooks and so on, who can be directed to use their existing strengths.

See also

Adaptation

Sawyer, R.D. (1993). The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, Basic Books