Final answer:
Commanders during DSCA must realize that achieving the military end state means supporting civilian agency goals and ensuring successful transition back to civilian control, aligning with public policy, and upholding sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA), military forces provide assistance to a lead civilian agency with the understanding that the primary objective is to support the civilian agency's goals rather than achieving independent military objectives. Commanders need to realize that achieving the military end state does not necessarily mean winning through force or strategic superiority, but rather ensuring a successful transition back to civilian control and aiding in achieving broader objectives such as promoting the general welfare, as defined by civilian leadership.
The U.S. military operates under the principle of civilian control, and its actions in support of civilian authorities—such as during natural disasters or for national security purposes—should align with broader public policy goals and the preservation of sovereignty, rather than purely military objectives. The effectiveness of military support is often evaluated on how well it integrates and cooperates with civilian efforts, and the sustainability of the conditions it helps to create post-engagement.