Originally Posted by
ORAC
Plundering or looting is strictly controlled, especially in a war zone. Whilst some common items can be allowed everything found has to be reported to and cleared by a reviewing officer. Especially if it might be connected to a burial or battle site and could be considered to be of historic interest.
Shipping items home for sale without going through such a process is a Court Martial offence.
I do find that a rather two faced approach, a common pongo is not allowed to bring back a small souvenir such as the buttocks off Sadams statue, but the British military and government can carry out wholesale plundering such as military equipment etc.