I had a bloody good time when I was in. Lots (and I mean lots) of time off for adventurous training, the money was better than a number of people and there was a reasonable amount of loyalty and comradeship.
I have to admit, I don't miss it now, but my life is a whole lot richer than than many people around me that have only ever experienced NATS and spend their life talking about cars, houses and their next holiday!