Is this the job of a US soldier?
It is sweet but it enrages me.
In the modern world, yes. It IS the job of the American soldier. Don't let it enrage you...these people are the face of America to many parts of the world...it is either that or Hollywood, and I will choose the American Military any day of the week.
Yes, it is. Because you can't win a war with only guns.
The children are actually the ones whose "hearts and minds" matter, because they are Iraq's future and they will be the ones determining its ongoing relationship with the rest of the world 15 to 20 years hence. So I agree that a part of our military's job is not only to kill or capture the terrorists and other bad guys, but also impress on these children that America is there to help them achieve a decent future for themselves and THEIR children, not to enslave or oppress them. It's a difficult combination of tasks for our military, but I'd bet those who get to work and interact with the children enjoy the opportunity. And they're excellent diplomats and ambassadors for our country.