Acute wounds are characterized by an orderly pattern of wound repair. Acute traumatic war wounds, however, differ in the usual progression of wound healing steps, due to the mechanism of injury. Wounds of war are the result of explosive and concussive forces which cause extensive soft tissue destruction and alterations of supporting structures. These wounds are always contaminated , may include tissue trauma distant from the initial wound and require care methodical care to achieve maximal healing. This presentation will discuss the pathophysiology of the wounds of war, review current concepts of military surgical and nursing procedures for wound care, and describe the basic and advanced methods of wound cleansing and wound closure in military wound healing. Unique methods of wound healing in austere environments, which have been shown to reduce days of hospitalization and to reduce costs of care, will also be discussed.