Rapid Military Advance Strategy

Overview

A strategic approach for infantry-based armies to overcome cavalry advantages by prioritizing speed and territorial control over siege warfare. Proposed by General Huan to Wu Wang during the rebellion.

Steps

1. Analyze Force Composition

   • Identify your advantage: infantry excels in difficult terrain
   • Identify enemy advantage: cavalry excels on flat ground

2. Bypass Fortified Positions

   • Do not stop to besiege cities that resist
   • Leave garrisons behind and continue advancing

3. Seize Strategic Objectives Quickly

   • Move rapidly to capture key infrastructure:
     • National armories (e.g., Luoyang武库)
     • Major food stores (e.g., Ao Granary)
   • These provide equipment and supplies for your forces

4. Control Geographic Barriers

   • Occupy mountain passes and river crossings
   • Use natural terrain to neutralize cavalry advantages

5. Establish Legitimacy

   • Use controlled territory to command respect from other regional powers
   • Issue orders and proclamations from positions of strength

Decision Points

• If delayed by sieges, cavalry will arrive and dominate on flat terrain
• Speed is essential - hesitation leads to defeat

Expected Outcomes

• Control of strategic resources
• Territorial advantage compensating for tactical disadvantages
• Political leverage over other regional powers

Verification

1. Confirm that key strategic objectives (armories, granaries, mountain passes) have been identified and prioritized before the advance begins.
2. Validate that the advance maintains speed without bogging down in unnecessary siege operations against resisting cities.
3. Ensure geographic barriers (passes, river crossings) are occupied to neutralize the enemy's cavalry advantage on flat terrain.