TDI: Exactly what dfariswheel said.
I will add...
Although many have tried, most have wound up in deep kimchi. It was possible during early 2001, but by 2002, the MP, CID, US Customs effort was in full force. They have seen it all. Whatever devious plan you might think of...someone else has already tried and been caught at.
I personally know several folks who have thrown their careers into the crapper over this. Not funny.
In addition to being in direct violation of General Order #1 (as in "issued by Commanding General") during wartime (a general court marshal offence), you would probably face federal charges. These would be levied by US Customs (who operate at all ports of departure from CENTCOM) or similar charges by BATFE, TSA, or FBI if you were unlucky enough to have your carefully hidden treasure discovered in a vehicle or container inspected upon return to CONUS.
Summing up the reasons that bringing your POW is a bad idea
:
1. Likely UCMJ action involving (at the very least) reduction in grade, fine, flag of all favorable actions (promotion, schools, DEMOBILIZATION, etc.), bar to re-enlistemnent...OR (worse case) imprisonment, reduction, dishonorable discharge, loss of all pay/allowances/retirement & medical benefits.
2. Federal felony charges (which you won't beat) that also involve potential fines, imprisonment, and essentially permanent loss of your right to own firearms.
3. Possible loss of your civilian career while your employer waits for the outcome of your multiple criminal cases.
4. Legal fees for the civilian attorney/s you will have to hire...regardless of outcome.
5. How would your family situation hold up if you were returned to the States and re-assigned to a base outside of your homestate. You'd be in for many months of Active Duty limbo status at some do-nothing job (pending decisions as to your fate by your Active Duty MACOM HQ)?
6. Loss of your security clearance (if you have one).
The ARNG/ANG mafia might be able to pull some strings to mitigate punishment, but be unable to protect you completely from Title 10 jurisdiction. Once Uncle Sugar mobilizes you, you are AD (even in Leavenworth).
All that said and speaking purely hypothetically...
I sympathize...I can think of several of my revolvers I'd be perfectly happy to lug about, but you're already going to be seriously loaded down (rifle, body armor, helmet, basic load, water, IFAK, radios, NVGs, pyro, goggles, etc.). While it sounds like a cool idea now, you'd probably live to regret actually trying to haul around a Redhawk or N-frame Smith...
Wheedle your unit to issue you an M9 and then spend some scratch on decent magazines, holster, duty belt, mag pouch, grips, or tactical light.
I'd certainly not take anything I wouldn't mind giving away or having confiscated. Probably a little KelTec (just to have a BUG).
The Ruger DA in caliber of your choice would definitely be the way to go for a sidearm (for reasons already stated by other posters)...
Alternatively, pistolas are easy to find in the 'Stan...especially Maks.
Sorry to sound preachy...I like your revolver concept.