Endstate is defined as which of the following?

• A. The initial disposition of friendly forces
• B. The final condition after the mission completes
• C. The measures of success
• D. The enemy's next move

Answer: (B)

Endstate is the final condition you want to exist once the mission is complete. It describes the enduring situation you aim to leave behind—the situation that, if achieved, means victory and provides the basis for transitioning to follow-on tasks. This guides planning, resource allocation, and when to stop. It isn’t the starting setup you begin with, nor the criteria you use to judge success (those are measures of success), and it isn’t about predicting or forcing the enemy’s next move. An example would be a secure area with civilian safety, restored essential services, and a stable local governance capability in place. In this framing, the final condition after the mission completes is the best description of endstate.