disposition of troops

陣 is composed of the radical 阜 (mound, hill) and a variant of 東 (east). 阜 depicts a terraced hillside, representing high ground, while 東 is a pictograph of a sack for holding items, indicating a multitude of objects. During military marches, with numerous personnel and supplies, they must be neatly arranged and observed from a high vantage point to be seen clearly, as represented by 陣, meaning disposition of troops. Additionally, 陣 and 陳 share the same origin, with closely related pronunciation and meaning.