Battlefield vultures are a common thing even today (not to be mistaken for soldiers looting the enemy which is a mixed bag in and of itself).
Back in earlier times, they were ordered to be captured or killed upon resisting when found scavenging the battlefield. The remains of the fallen are the countries spoils and the equipment repurposed or sent to the family if it can be identified. These policies differ greatly between country and year. Either way, vultures are considered the worse kinds of people and frowned upon no matter the where or when.