Tang Fubing Militia System

Timeline

1. 622–626Twelve circuits of Guanzhong · ChinaEarly in Wude, Gaozu established military prefectures, dividing Guanzhong into twelve circuits led by piaoqi and cheqi generals, raising troops by household count, establishing the basic framework of Tang fubing conscription and military prefecture management.
2. 626–636Ten circuits nationwide · ChinaTaizong divided the realm into ten circuits; in the tenth year of Zhenguan, tongjun were renamed zhechong duwei and biejiang renamed guoyi duwei, all prefectures collectively called zhechong prefectures, with 634 established nationwide, organized into tuan, dui, and huo units, bringing the fubing system to completion.
3. 636–700Military prefectures nationwide · ChinaFrom Gaozong onward, border campaigns increased, rotational service became irregular and garrison terms lengthened; fubing burdens grew, desertion and hidden registrations increased, palace guard provisioning became difficult, and the fubing method gradually deteriorated, foreshadowing later replacement by recruitment.