re: Why were former members of the U.S. military driving around Haiti heavily armed?

Aside from Cite’ Soleil, the country is fairly safe if you have common sense and street smarts.

More likely to be involved in a road traffic accident than anything else.

I have travelled and worked from one end of the island to the other, unscathed, without a weapon, with no problems, and without fear.

Goat steak and a cold Prestige is worth the trip.

The beach in Jacmel is pretty sweet.

New Orleans is far more dangerous than most of Haiti.