Grumble makes a good point about having a follow on plan. It's hard to say how long ISR and other support missions will be kept around after FY '14.
Quality of life is what you make it. It can depend on where you are based, but have no illusions that you will enjoy your own room with an attached shower...
Contact with local nationals is pretty limited at major bases.
Here is some info I pulled from the IRS website.
"If you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States and you live abroad, you are taxed on your worldwide income. However, you may qualify to exclude from income up to an amount of your foreign earnings that is now adjusted for inflation ($91,400 for 2009, $91,500 for 2010, $92,900 for 2011, $95,100 for 2012)."
Don't know what the 2013 numbers will be. All income earned above the specified amount is taxed at your gross income rate.
Hope this helps.
GP