On a personal note, I have seen all sides to this.
Yes Vegas is an asylum, but also can be a massive eye opener to a single, fun loving guy. It's a bit like London sometimes, full of tourists. You'll either love it or hate it. Also, the British accent will get you layed...many times!
1yr/3yrs in the sand? I'm not aware of current RAF deployment times as I'm more a sandy brown shade. But if that's around the time, isn't that what the average deployment is for you? By the way 2/3 is what some of us are doing these days.
Last but not least. Being aware of the fantastic job those things do, I'd take satisfaction of doing a top job well in front of possible deployment to the sand or other hair raising areas. I know we're all a little peeved at present situations in some way or another, but life goes on.
Good luck in your choice.
PS