Consolidating gains is a military requirement to achieve a political end state and efforts toward enduring peace. The task is complex, sensitive to factors, including policy, relations, political and economic instability, and emerging challenges. Its success requires the issuance of timely policy and execution of military planning to ensure readiness and resource availability. The forging of relationships, both internally between civilian and military leaders and externally with allies, supports these efforts. The United States' experience with Korea between 1941-1948 exemplified the challenges associated with consolidating gains. Politically, a pivot towards liberal internationalism, containing the Soviet Union, and waning support affected Korean policy. Militarily, Korea was not a priority, affecting planning and resourcing, leading to the struggles of the occupation force. The military's lack of understanding of the Korean environment, society, history, and culture affected efforts to create stable governance. The use of design would have helped military planners navigate these challenges and develop the appropriate options. The requirement to consolidate gains is enduring and will be present in all future military operations. There is a necessity to prepare leaders through formal education and training events to ensure they have the necessary skill set to plan and execute these tasks.

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