Army General Officer
Memorandum of Reprimand
A GOMOR can end a military career. Learn your rights — and how to fight back.
Free Consultation · (904) 383-7261What is a GOMOR?
GOMOR stands for General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand — a formal written administrative censure issued to members of the U.S. Army. It can be issued for any type of misconduct or substandard performance and is a disciplinary tool unique to the Army.
Unlike criminal charges or courts-martial, a GOMOR is an administrative action. However, its consequences can be just as career-ending.
Who Can Issue a GOMOR?
For enlisted Soldiers, a GOMOR may be issued by a Commander in the Soldier's chain of command, a School Commandant, or a General Officer.
For commissioned or warrant officers, it may be issued by a Commander in their chain of command, a designated rating chain member, or a General Officer. In practice, GOMORs for officers are most commonly issued by the Commanding General (CG).
What Evidence Is Required?
Generally, some form of investigation — CID, AR 15-6, or IG — must document the misconduct or substandard performance. The issuing authority must believe by a preponderance of the evidence that the individual committed the misconduct alleged.
The allegation must be more likely true than not — essentially, the issuing authority must be at least 51% certain the conduct occurred. This is a lower standard than criminal "beyond a reasonable doubt."
How a GOMOR Impacts Your Career
A GOMOR can be filed in two ways — locally or in the Soldier's Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) — and the distinction is critical.
Less Severe
Destroyed after 3 years or upon PCS. Not visible to promotion boards. Limited career impact.
Career-Ending Risk
Permanent record. Visible to HRC and promotion boards. Grounds for denial of promotion, reenlistment, or elimination.
What Rights Does a Soldier Have?
Upon receipt of a GOMOR, a Soldier has the right to submit a written rebuttal. There are two strategic approaches:
Argue the allegations are factually wrong or that the investigation does not meet the preponderance-of-evidence standard required to issue a GOMOR.
Acknowledge the conduct but explain the circumstances and argue why the GOMOR is disproportionate, and why it should be withdrawn or filed locally.
The response must be submitted in writing, typically within 7 days, unless an extension is granted or a different period is specified by the issuing authority.
Do I Need an Attorney?
The rebuttal is your best — and possibly only — opportunity to reduce or stop the impact of a GOMOR. An experienced military law attorney knows how to attack flawed investigations and present compelling mitigation evidence.
While Army legal assistance attorneys provide limited help, a retained civilian military law attorney provides the full scope of representation and will typically write the rebuttal on your behalf.
More than 20 years of military law experience. GOMORs, LORs, Administrative Separations, Show Cause/Officer Elimination, Security Clearance actions, and more — worldwide.
After the Rebuttal Is Submitted
The issuing authority must consider your written submission and then decide one of three outcomes:
Withdraw & Destroy
The GOMOR is rescinded entirely — the best possible outcome.
File Locally
Filed in the unit file only; destroyed after 3 years or PCS. Not career-defining.
File in OMPF
Permanently filed in your official record. Triggers additional appeal options.
Options If Filed in Your OMPF
If the GOMOR is placed in your permanent record, four avenues exist for removal or mitigation:
Request the Issuing General Remove It
Informal memorandum to the issuing authority. Include rehabilitation evidence and excellent performance ratings. Rarely granted absent unusual circumstances.
DASEB — Transfer to Restricted Fiche
Generally for E-6 and above. Must show the GOMOR's intended purpose has been served and transfer is in the Army's best interest. Requires at least one year post-imposition and one completed evaluation report.
DASEB — Full Removal
Higher burden: must show by clear and convincing evidence that the allegations are untrue or unjust. More difficult than transfer but achievable with the right evidence.
Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)
Final administrative remedy. Must demonstrate the GOMOR is manifestly unjust or improper. Note: decisions often take over a year, during which career impact continues.
Your Career Is Worth
Fighting For
Attorney Patrick Korody offers a free consultation for Soldiers and officers facing a GOMOR anywhere in the world.