Robert Kaplan in the NYT:
For [American soldiers], combat and humanitarian relief are easily interchangeable, and efforts to reshape the military for the war on terrorism are vital to both functions. The troops are comfortable with their dual role; it is our job to supply them with what they need to do it best.
Most of the professional humanitarians - and it is a profession - aren't comfortable with it. And the military actually isn't very good at it.
More when I'm not on the road.