But if I were an Iraqi unit commander, ya, I'd object.
Care of equipment and weapons isn't a acceptable Third World concept. (While under the influence of Oklahoma Thinking juice, a couple of buddies and myself actually buried a MAK 90 in the backyard, where sprinklers went on once a day. After a month we dug it up and drove to Lyle Creek. A quick swab with a rag and it was good to go)
Something to note, though - it will make it easier for our guys to blend in, and harder for the bad guys.