Final answer:
Soldiers engaged in warfare will not engage in activities that weigh them down or distract them from their mission. They avoid leisurely activities during forced marches, superstitions, and unnecessary encampments and prioritize maintaining readiness, morale, strategic resource management, and tactical positioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Activities Soldiers Avoid While Engaged in Warfare
When engaged in warfare, soldiers have particular activities that they will not do to ensure the effectiveness and survival of their unit. As per the information provided, we understand that soldiers must avoid being burdened with riches, superstitions, and a disregard for logistics such as provisions and supply bases. During forced marches, such as covering double the usual distance at a stretch, soldiers would not engage in leisurely activities. Instead, they are expected to focus on the mission at hand and maintain a high level of alertness and readiness - as mentioned, 'without waiting to be marshaled, the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive.'
Resource management is crucial as overloading with luggage or money can hinder mobility. The leaders teach them to be like each other in movement and appearance to maintain uniformity, which also means avoiding any individual behaviors that could break this uniformity. Practices such as dividing spoils and respecting comrades are cultivated to boost morale and maintain discipline. Soldiers are also taught to adapt their strategy to the terrain and use stratagems in difficult situations. Crucially, soldiers in perilous situations must be prepared to fight, indicating that unnecessary risks or engagements that do not align with strategic goals are avoided.
Soldiers learn to adapt to a variety of terrains, including mountains and rivers, always seeking tactical advantages. According to Sun Tzu's principles, soldiers on the march should avoid unnecessary encampments in difficult territory, form alliances strategically, and avoid isolated positions. These teachings aim to enhance the effectiveness of the soldiers on the battlefield while minimizing risks and vulnerabilities.