Warfare – including preparation and training of military forces, active conflict, and postwar activities -- is a dominant feature of the human landscape. The direct human consequences of war are highly visible, the ecological consequences often less so, although occasionally highlighted in photographs of burning oil fields or shell-cratered jungles. But war considered in all its aspects, including for example both military training and post-conflict reconstruction, presents us not only with adverse ecological consequences, but with opportunities and responsibilities for ecological conservation and restoration. Further, conflicts over natural resources are often factors contributing to the origins of wars. In the past two decades, there have been 122 armed conflicts, and war preparations utilize up to 15 million square kilometers of land (Machlis and Hanson 2008, BioScience 58: 729-736). The interactions between warfare and ecosystems are complex, with conflicts over access to natural resources contributing to war, which in turn leads to widespread environmental damage, with further adverse impacts on human demands for ecological services. As a critical element in constructing a truly globally sustainable society, it is imperative that the scientific community develop a well-organized understanding of the environmental origins and consequences of armed conflict, and apply this knowledge in ways that support peace, security, and sustainability. This symposium responds to this need by exploring an emerging sub-field of study called “warfare ecology” (Machlis and Hanson 2008). A series of speakers will explain the core issues; present case study examples of the applications and opportunities for ecological research in military training areas and conflict zones; and summarize policy implications and education needs. The symposium will close with an open discussion of issues raised and potential future ESA activities in this important area of research.