Liber III, Pars III — Quod utile est in bello ferre vexilla: et constituere duces et praepositos: et quales esse debeant qui in exercitu vexilla portant, et qui equitibus, et pedibus praeponuntur. Cap. X.

Liber III, Pars III — Quod utile est in bello ferre vexilla: et constituere duces et praepositos: et quales esse debeant qui in exercitu vexilla portant, et qui equitibus, et pedibus praeponuntur. Cap. X.

United virtue is always stronger than when it is scattered and confused. However, sometimes in battle, the ranks and formations can become disordered and confused. Therefore, a wise leader can carefully observe all these factors to determine whether to engage in open battle. For as he sees himself abundant or lacking in the various conditions mentioned, so he can assess his stance toward war: it might never happen that all these conditions align on one side; however, where more and better conditions converge, that side is stronger for battle. Again, it was necessary to appoint leaders, centurions, decans, and other commanders for the war. For the entire army is likened to a single body; therefore, just as all the members of the body help each other, so do all the soldiers and all parts of the same army support each other. Thus, just as the actions of the members become confused unless they are directed by the head, in which sense and knowledge reside, so do soldiers in an army become confused if they lack a centurion and a leader, who should be their head and guide. Therefore, it was observed in ancient times that to prevent confusion in battle, a leader was appointed who was in charge of the entire army. Under this leader were the centurions. Under the centurion, there were the decani. The decanus is said to be from ten. Thus, a centurion is from a hundred. For the centurion had under him ten decani, so that he commanded a hundred warriors and ten decani. Each of the decani had under them ten fighting men. In the helmet of the centurion were written some letters or some evident sign; which, when the decani looked at, they recognized their centurion and knew whom they were to follow. Similarly, in the helmet of each decanus was some sign impressed, by which the ten warriors, whom he commanded, recognized their proper decanus. Therefore, in this way, or in another, leaders and commanders must be appointed both in the ranks of cavalry and infantry, as well as those carrying the banners, so that everyone knows what they should do. For there is such great terror in battle because of the clamor of arms and the blows inflicted, that words and warnings are not enough to direct the fighters; rather, clear signs must be given, so that everyone can see how to hold their place in the line and know what they should do. From this, it can be understood what kind of people should carry the insignia and banners. For when the banner is broken, the entire army is thrown into confusion. Therefore, the banner bearer [REDACTED] be chosen with great care, so that he is strong in body, steadfast in spirit, loyal to the leader, experienced in arms, and possesses all the qualities required of a good and valiant warrior. Indeed, in our times, it has happened that an entire population of a certain city was defeated by a few warriors because the banner bearer, committing a fraud, concealed the banner and hid it; therefore, the warriors were confused, as if they had no head, and were ignorant of what they should attend to; because if in battle the lives of many men are exposed to the dangers of death, the banner bearer [REDACTED] be sought with great diligence. From these statements, it can also be understood what kind of person should be appointed over the army, both for infantry and cavalry. For just as the head is more distinguished than the other members, so the one who is appointed over certain troops or other warriors in battle should be more vigorous than they and more experienced in the things required for combat. Therefore, when it comes to foot soldiers, if they are to be good warriors, they must be strong in body, tall in stature, and skilled in throwing spears and projectiles; they should also know how to wield a sword for striking, carry a shield for protection, and be vigilant, agile, and sober, possessing experience with weapons. All these qualities must be found in someone who is to be placed above foot soldiers. Thus, whoever is to be placed above foot soldiers in battle must be strong in body, tall in stature, skilled in throwing spears and javelins, and know how to fight with a sword for striking, carry a shield for protection, be vigilant, agile, sober, and have experience with all kinds of weapons, so that he can instruct his soldiers in battle and compel them to fight well and to take care of their arms. For the very appearance of a warrior's armor instills fear in the enemy, so that one who carries such arms is believed to be a good warrior. Indeed, the rust on the armor of one who carries it reveals his laziness in warfare. If therefore one who is placed above foot soldiers must be such, much more should he be experienced in arms. He should be tall in body and strong in strength, as one who is to be placed above the cavalry, because in cavalry battles, greater conflict occurs than in foot battles. Therefore, the leader and commander of military affairs must be fit in body, so that he can also, when armed, mount a horse quickly; he should know how to fight bravely on horseback, strike with a lance, throw javelins, protect himself with a shield, fight with a club and sword, and have experience with all kinds of weapons, so that he can instruct his fellow soldiers in battle, so they can fight bravely, take care of their arms, and do other things required for war.