-- Tier three for the rank-and-file , active-duty service members , reservists and civilians working for the Defense Department . Defense Department efforts to implement implementation of the ` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy will be conducted on three levels , or tiers . Tier one and two are for experts and senior officers ; tier three is for rank - and - file troops .
Defense Department efforts to implement implementation of the ` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy will be conducted on three levels , or tiers . Tier one and two are for experts and senior officers ; tier three is for rank - and - file troops .