GOMOR Rebuttals: Protecting Your Career in the U.S. Army

GOMOR Rebuttals: Protecting Your Career in the U.S. Army

Experienced Military Defense Lawyers at the Military Law Center

If you’ve received a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand—commonly known as a GOMOR—you’re facing one of the most serious administrative actions in the U.S. Army. It can damage your reputation, end your career, and follow you long after your time in service.

The good news? You have the right to respond.

At the Military Law Center, we help Soldiers craft strong, strategic GOMOR rebuttals that preserve careers, protect reputations, and fight back against unjust reprimands. Whether you’re an NCO, officer, or warrant officer, we understand the stakes—and we know how to help.

What Is a GOMOR?

A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) is a formal written reprimand issued by a general officer in the U.S. Army. It’s governed by Army Regulation 600-37 and may be issued for alleged misconduct, lapses in judgment, or behavior that “brings discredit upon the service.”

While it’s not a court-martial or UCMJ conviction, a GOMOR can still have serious consequences. If filed permanently in your Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR), it can:

There are two types of GOMOR filing decisions:

  • Local file: Placed in your unit file and destroyed when you PCS. Less damaging.
  • Permanent file (AMHRR/OMPF): Becomes part of your official record. Devastating.

The only person who can issue a GOMOR is a General Officer—which reflects how seriously the Army takes the allegations.

Why the GOMOR Rebuttal Is Critical

When you receive a GOMOR, the Army gives you a limited opportunity to tell your side of the story. This is known as your GOMOR rebuttal. According to AR 600-37, paragraph 3-2, all Soldiers have the right to submit a written response.

Without a rebuttal, the allegations in the GOMOR are presumed true.

Your rebuttal is your first and best chance to:

  • Refute inaccurate allegations
  • Explain extenuating circumstances
  • Present mitigating evidence
  • Request a local filing—or complete withdrawal

Whether you’re disputing the allegations or taking responsibility while arguing for leniency, your response must be thoughtful, persuasive, and well-supported.

Most importantly, your rebuttal could be the difference between moving forward with your Army career or a career-ending permanent filing.

Your Rights Under AR 600-37

When issued a GOMOR, you are entitled to due process. Under AR 600-37, you have the right to:

  • Be informed of the reprimand in writing
  • Review the supporting evidence
  • Consult with a military attorney
  • Submit a written rebuttal within:
    • 7 calendar days (Active Duty)
    • 30 calendar days (Army Reserve or National Guard)

In most cases, extensions may be requested—especially if additional time is needed to gather evidence, obtain witness statements, or coordinate with legal counsel.

The process is straightforward, but the consequences of a misstep are not.

What to Include in a Strong GOMOR Rebuttal

Your GOMOR rebuttal should be clear, factual, and respectful. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, a strong rebuttal generally includes:

  1. A Clear Statement of Position

    • Deny the allegations if untrue
    • Accept responsibility if warranted, with context
    • Express remorse (if appropriate) and outline steps taken to correct behavior

  1. Supporting Evidence

    • Witness statements
    • Counseling records
    • Awards and evaluations
    • Emails, texts, or official documents that contradict the allegations

  1. Character Letters

    • Statements from senior leaders, peers, chaplains, and subordinates
    • Emphasize integrity, past performance, and future value to the Army

  1. A Request for Specific Relief

    • Ask for local filing, withdrawal, or non-filing
    • Justify the request with evidence and logic

  1. Professional Format and Tone

    • Avoid emotional or accusatory language
    • Use military letterhead format
    • Be concise and professional

What Happens After You Submit Your GOMOR Rebuttal?

Once submitted, your rebuttal is reviewed by the issuing General Officer, who can decide to:

  • Withdraw the GOMOR entirely
  • File it locally (destroyed upon PCS)
  • File it permanently in your AMHRR

There is no appeal from the GOMOR filing decision at this stage. However, if the GOMOR is filed permanently, you may later request removal through the Department of the Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB) or the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR).

Still, your best chance to avoid long-term damage is at the rebuttal stage—before it’s permanently filed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in GOMOR Rebuttals

Many Soldiers unintentionally hurt their case by making these avoidable errors:

  • Submitting a rebuttal that is too emotional or defensive
  • Failing to submit any response at all
  • Admitting guilt without context or legal advice
  • Not submitting supporting documents or character letters
  • Waiting until the last minute and submitting a rushed rebuttal

Your rebuttal should not be a casual email. It’s an advocacy document—and your career depends on it.

Can You Remove a GOMOR After It’s Filed?

Yes, but it’s difficult.

If your GOMOR is permanently filed, you can request removal through one of the following avenues:

  1. DASEB Petition

    • Requests removal or transfer to the restricted file
    • Must show: injustice, inaccuracy, or outdated relevance
    • Typically requires 1+ years since the incident

  1. Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR)

    • Higher standard: Must show error or injustice
    • Longer process, more rigorous standards

While post-filing removal is possible, your rebuttal remains your best line of defense.

Why You Need a Military Defense Attorney

The Army gives you a chance to respond—but it doesn’t help you win.

At the Military Law Center, we’ve represented Soldiers of all ranks across the globe. We understand how to build an effective rebuttal that:

  • Highlights inconsistencies in the allegation
  • Builds your record of performance and value to the Army
  • Persuasively argues for local filing or withdrawal
  • Uses legal precedent and regulatory language to support your position

We also prepare appeals to DASEB and ABCMR when necessary. But our first goal is to keep the GOMOR out of your permanent record altogether.

Our Process: What to Expect

When you contact the attorneys at Military Law Center for help with your GOMOR rebuttal, here’s what we’ll do:

  1. Review the Allegations and Supporting Documents
  2. Conduct an In-Depth Strategy Session With You
  3. Help Draft and Revise a Persuasive, Legally Sound Rebuttal
  4. Gather Supporting Evidence and Statements
  5. Guide You Through Submission and Follow-Up

We don’t just write rebuttals—we build legal strategies to protect your future.

Above all else, Kevin Courtney takes his work seriously. He does not take cases or his client’s issues lightly and applies only his most diligent efforts to every case that he represents. This, coupled with his knowledge and legal expertise, makes him one of the most exceptional attorneys in his field. – M. Grange, Justia.com

Time Is Critical. Don’t Wait.

If you’ve received a GOMOR, you may only have 7 days to respond.

The clock is ticking—and your career is on the line. You’ve worked too hard to let one allegation define your service.

Let us help you defend your honor, reputation, and future in uniform.

Contact the Military Law Center Today

Our military defense attorneys have decades of experience fighting for Soldiers like you. We’ve worked inside the system—and we know how to challenge it.

“Kevin was very helpful and meticulous with everything. He listened to everything I said and had my back from the beginning. Thanks to him I finished my contract honorably.”  – S. Ortiz, Avvo.com

Call us now for a confidential consultation.
Or complete our secure contact form, and a member of our team will reach out right away.

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Military Law Center: When Your Career Is at Risk, We’re Ready to Fight Back.

Disclaimer:
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Viewing this page or using the information contained herein does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Military Law Center or any of its attorneys. Every case is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. You should consult with a qualified attorney before making any decisions regarding your military legal matter, including how to respond to a GOMOR or whether to submit a rebuttal.

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