The military system directly determined the strength of the armies throughout the dynasties.
The householder military system integrated soldiers and farmers, while the recruitment system employed professional soldiers; the combat effectiveness between the two naturally cannot be compared.
One should know that household soldiers provided their own weapons, whereas recruited soldiers were supplied by the Imperial Court.
However, the householder military system separated officers from soldiers, while the recruitment system established subordination between officers and soldiers. Indeed, under the recruitment system, the military's combat power was stronger, but it also tended to form a situation where generals could hold troops and wield self-importance.
The householder military system was conducive to strengthening centralized power, but the combat capability of local troops could not be guaranteed.
