Which of the following best describes an end state in planning?

• A. The starting position.
• B. The plan for redeployment.
• C. The anticipated enemy reactions.
• D. The desired condition after mission success that the force aims to achieve and sustain.

Answer: (D)

End state is the desired condition after mission success that the force aims to achieve and sustain. It sets a clear target for what success looks like and guides planning, tasks, and resource decisions toward that outcome. The starting position describes where you begin, not the end condition. A plan for redeployment is a method for moving forces and reshaping the force during execution, not the final aim. Anticipated enemy reactions are part of understanding the operational environment and adjusting actions, but they define possible course of events rather than the sustained condition you’re working to achieve.