USG pays flat rate globally. They then plus up a COLA allowance based on high-cost areas, special circumstances, etc. But the base rate is a flat rate for a given position. You can pay 'less extra', but not 'less', generally. Which I'm sure is what FB and others will technically do.

Parent comment started:

>What's different here is presumably the scale the policy is being applied at

Suggesting that FB is somehow going to apply any policy to its employees that is at a larger scale than the US government is a bit ridiculous.

Yes, I agree that's what FB will do.

BAH is based on your duty location

For Active Duty - yes it is based on duty location zip code, because they assume you will move near the base that you work at.

For National Guard - it is based on Home of Record zip code. Many National Guard members travel >100 miles to their assigned Armory.

But that's an adjustment / extra, not a change to your pay as an O-3 or E-5 or GS-12 or whatever.