I wouldn't want to go to work in a combat zone. $80k wouldn't be enough for me to go over there. $125k would get me to think twice. $150k would make me think REALLY hard on the subject. $200k, wrap me up in bubble wrap, I'm going to war!
With that said, if I could get paid near the same or a bit less to work in Antarctica, I'd do so. I ASSume Antarctica is much safer and overall better. Women don't come into either equation so you're most likely jerking off for however long you are stuck there. Antarctica is a tougher location to work in because you will be stuck inside for most of the year and that does wonders to people.
If you can get an $80k job right now in the US, I'd do that. Just live like a college student with a cheap car and renting a room, and you should be able to save $50k a year. Do that for 3-5 years, and you should create a very solid base for yourself.