March 30, 2006: The war on terror is making life uncomfortable for American troops stationed in European bases. That's because the need for background checks on civilian workers has caused a shortage of workers. The security checks can take up to six months, because of a shortage of security personnel to do the work. The civilian jobs on U.S. bases don't pay much to begin with, and many applicants aren't going to wait around for months so that their background check can be completed. As a result, food service and housekeeping personnel are in short supply, leaving living quarters, and restaurant service, a bit ragged. American military bases have many temporary housing units and hotel like operations for troops just passing through, or on temporary duty. These troops often prefer to eat at the restaurants and clubs (officers and NCOs). War is hell, often in small and annoying ways.