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Most of the armies in Tang's military system consisted of members of the families of aristocrats. The best armies and troops were often found near the northern regions since those armies were made up of imperial guards and palace troops. Their main goal was to protect the empire from invasions and rebellions.

The system contained a number of militias called fu-ping. Each fu-ping held 800 to 1200 men and were often found circling the capital (Shensi). It was not until the Tang dynasty that positions in the army were offered to peasants and not just families who came from a long line of military officials. Men were to provide their own horses and some of their weapons/equipment. Since the majority of peasants were poor riders or could not afford a horse, they were used basically to increase number and were given tasks such as obtaining food or delivering messages.

Horses were considered very important. Warriors would mount on their horses and attack with bows and arrows or swords. Tang itself had around 700,000 horses surrounding its capital. The Uighurs, who had assisted Tang during its battles with the Tibetans, were given a monopoly on horses and they would sell a horse each at the price of forty pieces of silk.