What does the term 'desired end state' refer to in military strategy?

The term 'desired end state' in military strategy refers specifically to the overall mission objective. This concept encapsulates the ultimate goals and outcomes that military planners aim to achieve through their operations. It represents the conditions that need to be established for the mission to be considered successful.

While resources required for execution, the timeline of operations, and tactical advantages are significant components of executing a military strategy, they do not define the ultimate aim of the operation. The desired end state focuses on what victory looks like and what the strategic landscape should resemble once operations conclude, guiding the planning and execution of military actions towards achieving that goal.