CHAPLAINS: Can you compare and contrast military vs. civilian ministry?

As a civilian pastor I had great difficulty ministering to the 18-25 year olds. They usually leave home for the military or college and many times drift away from God/church. Once they get married and have a couple of children they may come back to the church. I love military ministry for the fact that I'm around this demographic on a daily basis. I have the privilege of ministering to these Soldiers and their families whether in the unit or the chapel bringing God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God!

Military chaplaincy is mostly like young adult youth ministry with guns.

This is a great question. I think it takes a very special person to be a military Chaplain. They are part in some very unique situations. I recall speaking often to my first Chaplain. I thought of him as a great man of faith. One day came to see me to tell my that my friend that was in another city in Iraq was killed in combat. It was hard to hear that. I still remember that conservation very well. As hard as it was to hear I imagine it was harder to say it. He flew from Mosul to my location knowing that he was only coming to bring the bad news. I profoundly respect the man. I have yet to see another Chaplain on his level. So many act like civilian pastors and not like Chaplains.