I worked in a Eastern European Muslim country for 4 years and they didn't bat an eye at my stuff. Like others have said, it's probably something with your dates of employment.
I got my full pay rate while at the academy (CTO pickup) while CTI students got the lower rate....our facility doesn't have/use the D1 step so after I get done with LC I move into the D2 scale.
To each his/her own I suppose. I'm driving out and will be willing to carpool with anyone that is staying at Kim's. I'll just be glad to be back in the land of Wal-Mart. :/