Army GOMOR Rebuttal Guide | How to Save Your Military Career
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law are among the most experienced military defense lawyers in the world, representing soldiers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. If you’ve received a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR), your career, security clearance, retirement, and reputation are at stake.
This guide explains how to write an effective GOMOR rebuttal, avoid career-ending mistakes, and position yourself for success if your case escalates to an administrative separation board or Board of Inquiry.
Why a GOMOR Rebuttal Matters
- Career impact: A GOMOR can block promotions, eliminate security clearances, and trigger separation proceedings.
- Retirement jeopardy: Even with 20+ years of service, a GOMOR can lead to involuntary separation without retirement pay.
- Future boards: The content of your rebuttal is often read by members of administrative separation boards or Boards of Inquiry.
- Perception of silence: Failing to rebut is seen as an admission of guilt.
How to Write a Winning GOMOR Rebuttal
1. Timing is critical
You usually have 7 to 14 days to respond. Ask for an extension if needed, but never miss the deadline.
2. Set the right tone
Your rebuttal must be professional, respectful, and fact-driven. Avoid angry language or emotional rants.
3. Focus on evidence, not excuses
- Service records: Performance reports, NCOERs/OERs, and awards showing excellence.
- Character statements: From supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
- Documents disproving allegations: Emails, texts, duty logs, or surveillance footage.
- Mitigation: Evidence of rehabilitation, counseling, or training.
4. Attack weaknesses in the allegation
Identify inconsistencies, unreliable witnesses, or lack of corroborating evidence. But do it strategically — not recklessly.
5. Preserve future defenses
Everything in your rebuttal may be used later at an administrative separation board. Avoid admissions that could hurt you in that forum.
Common Mistakes Soldiers Make in GOMOR Rebuttals
- 🔥 Submitting a short, generic “I disagree” response without evidence.
- 🔥 Using emotional or disrespectful language toward commanders.
- 🔥 Ignoring the chance to include strong character statements.
- 🔥 Accidentally admitting misconduct in an effort to “explain.”
- 🔥 Treating the rebuttal as the endgame — instead of step one in a longer defense strategy.
How a Strong GOMOR Rebuttal Sets Up Your Defense at a Separation Board
Many soldiers focus only on “winning” the GOMOR filing decision. But the real strategy is bigger:
- Appeals & Records: A strong rebuttal helps if you later appeal or request removal of the GOMOR from your record.
- Boards of Inquiry: Your rebuttal becomes evidence at an administrative separation board. Weak rebuttals = weak board defense.
- Promotion Boards: Officers reviewing your file will see how you responded under pressure.
Video: Fighting GOMORs in the Army
Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington for a GOMOR Rebuttal?
Our lawyers have defended service members worldwide in GOMOR rebuttals, administrative separation boards, and Boards of Inquiry. We’ve handled cases from Fort Bragg to Korea, Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq. We know what works — and what commanders and board members respect.
- ✅ Tried hundreds of court-martial and board cases across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard
- ✅ Published authors on military law and trial advocacy
- ✅ Global reputation as elite military defense lawyers
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at ucmjdefense.com or call 1-800-921-8607 for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Army GOMORs
How long do I have to rebut a GOMOR?
Typically 7–14 days. You can request an extension, but missing the deadline almost guarantees placement in your permanent file.
Can I get a GOMOR removed later?
Yes. You may petition the Department of the Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB) for removal — but success is rare without a strong original rebuttal.
What happens if I don’t submit a rebuttal?
Silence is treated as acceptance. Future boards and commanders will assume the allegations were true.
Can a lawyer write my rebuttal for me?
Yes. Experienced military defense lawyers can draft persuasive rebuttals that preserve your rights and set you up for board defense.
Does a GOMOR always lead to separation?
No, but it often triggers administrative separation boards. A strong rebuttal is your first line of defense.
