How to Write a GOMOR Rebuttal – The Complete Guide for Soldiers in 2026
TLDR – A GOMOR Rebuttal Can Be the Difference Between Career Survival and Career Destruction
A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) is one of the most powerful administrative tools in the Army. When filed locally, it can still derail promotions and assignments. When permanently filed in your Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR), it often becomes a career-ending document that follows you for the rest of your life. The written rebuttal you submit after receiving a GOMOR is your only real chance to influence how the reprimand is viewed and where it is filed. A rushed, emotional, or generic rebuttal can do more harm than good. A strategic, well-drafted rebuttal can mitigate damage, correct the record, and in some cases prevent permanent filing altogether.
- A GOMOR can be locally filed or permanently filed in your AMHRR – your rebuttal influences that decision.
- Your written response is the only document in the packet that tells your side of the story.
- A strong rebuttal focuses on evidence, context, mitigation, and your value to the Army.
- A weak rebuttal (or no rebuttal) invites the worst possible outcome.
- Commanders, promotion boards, and separation boards may all review your GOMOR packet in the future.
What a GOMOR Really Is (and Why It’s So Dangerous)
A GOMOR is an official reprimand issued by a general officer. It is often based on a command investigation, law enforcement report, or alleged misconduct such as DUI, domestic incidents, fraternization, integrity violations, or other behavior considered inconsistent with Army standards.
What makes a GOMOR so dangerous is not just the reprimand itself, but where it is filed:
- Local file: Maintained at the unit or command level and eventually destroyed, usually after a change of duty station or a set period.
- AMHRR (permanent) file: Placed in your official record and reviewed by promotion boards, school selection boards, and elimination boards.
Your rebuttal is a major factor the general officer considers when deciding where to file the GOMOR.
Goals of an Effective GOMOR Rebuttal
A smart rebuttal focuses on realistic goals based on your situation. You may seek one or more of these outcomes:
- Convince the general officer not to issue the GOMOR at all.
- Request that the GOMOR be rescinded or withdrawn.
- Request local filing instead of permanent filing in your AMHRR.
- Limit long-term impact by providing context and mitigation.
- Preserve your credibility and demonstrate accountability and potential for continued service.
How to Structure a GOMOR Rebuttal
A GOMOR rebuttal should be clear, concise, and professionally structured. A recommended format includes:
1. Introduction and Respectful Tone
Open by respectfully addressing the general officer and acknowledging receipt of the GOMOR. Thank the general for the opportunity to respond. Avoid anger, sarcasm, or disrespect.
2. Statement of Responsibility (Where Appropriate)
If you committed some of the alleged misconduct, a limited, carefully worded acceptance of responsibility can help. Avoid over-admitting or accepting false allegations. If the allegations are untrue or inaccurate, state that clearly and respectfully.
3. Factual Clarifications and Corrections
Address errors in the GOMOR or underlying documents. Use numbered paragraphs to rebut specific assertions. If the GOMOR is based on an investigation, identify inconsistencies, missing context, or factual mistakes.
- Clarify timelines with accurate dates and times.
- Correct misquotes or partial quotes.
- Address any facts stated as certain that are actually disputed.
4. Presenting Your Side of the Story
Explain, in a focused manner, what actually happened from your perspective. Avoid lengthy storytelling or emotional language. Use clear, neutral wording. Provide:
- Context for your actions (mission, fatigue, operational environment, confusion, miscommunication).
- Relevant background that explains how the situation developed.
- Information the investigation did not capture or consider.
5. Mitigation and Extenuation
Even when the event occurred as alleged, there may be powerful mitigating factors. Include:
- Evidence of prior outstanding service and performance.
- Awards, deployments, leadership roles, and contributions.
- Family hardship, medical issues, or other context (carefully and only if helpful).
- Steps taken since the incident: counseling, treatment, education, rehabilitation, or mentorship.
6. Supporting Documents and Third-Party Statements
Attach supporting evidence as enclosures and reference them in your rebuttal:
- Sworn or unsworn statements from leaders, peers, or subordinates.
- Evaluation reports, award citations, and training records.
- Certificates from treatment programs or professional development.
7. Specific Request
Close by respectfully asking for the specific relief you seek, such as:
- Not filing the GOMOR at all.
- Rescinding the GOMOR.
- Filing the GOMOR locally instead of in the AMHRR.
Emphasize your commitment to Army values and your desire to continue serving.
What Not to Do in a GOMOR Rebuttal
- Do not attack the general officer, the chain of command, or the investigator.
- Do not write with anger or sarcasm.
- Do not minimize serious misconduct if it occurred — that can appear dishonest or tone-deaf.
- Do not submit a rebuttal without reviewing it for tone, coherence, and accuracy.
- Do not rely on excuses alone; focus on accountability and solutions.
Examples of GOMOR Rebuttal Strategies
Example 1 – DUI-Based GOMOR
A Soldier receives a GOMOR after a DUI arrest. The rebuttal acknowledges responsibility, explains steps taken (treatment, counseling, education), highlights an otherwise strong record, and respectfully requests local filing rather than permanent filing.
Example 2 – Domestic Incident with Conflicting Statements
A GOMOR is issued after a domestic dispute where initial statements were later recanted or clarified. The rebuttal explains the full context, addresses investigative gaps, attaches supporting statements, and requests withdrawal or local filing.
Example 3 – GOMOR Based on Incomplete Investigation
The GOMOR relies on a one-sided command investigation that omitted key witnesses. The rebuttal points out who was not interviewed, includes statements from those witnesses, and demonstrates that critical facts are missing.
Example 4 – GOMOR for Leadership or Command Climate
The GOMOR alleges “toxic leadership” based on limited feedback. The rebuttal includes evaluation reports, positive command climate feedback, and statements from Soldiers who had positive experiences under the officer’s leadership.
Example 5 – GOMOR After Social Media Misconduct Allegation
Posts or messages were misconstrued. The rebuttal provides full context, clarifies intent, and shows corrective action taken, while emphasizing prior service and professionalism.
Five Key Tips for Writing a Powerful GOMOR Rebuttal
- Tip 1 – Be honest, but strategic. If you made a mistake, acknowledge it appropriately. If allegations are false or exaggerated, calmly explain why.
- Tip 2 – Use facts, not feelings. Support your arguments with documents, dates, records, and witness statements, rather than opinions or speculation.
- Tip 3 – Stay concise and organized. Use headings, paragraphs, and numbered points so the general officer can follow your logic easily.
- Tip 4 – Show growth and rehabilitation. Demonstrate what you have learned, what you have changed, and how you intend to move forward.
- Tip 5 – Work with experienced legal counsel. A GOMOR rebuttal is a legal and professional document. Getting guidance can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of your response.
Military Law Resources (For Context)
While you do not need to cite regulations in your rebuttal like a lawyer, it helps to understand that GOMORs and reprimands are governed by service regulations and policies relating to:
- Officer and enlisted administrative actions
- Evaluation reports and adverse information
- Filing decisions (local vs permanent)
- Boards of Inquiry and elimination actions
Protecting Your Career with a Strong GOMOR Rebuttal
A GOMOR can be the beginning of the end — or the beginning of a comeback. A strong rebuttal can convince a general officer to see beyond the four corners of a police report or investigation and view you as a Soldier worth retaining and mentoring. Your rebuttal is your voice in a process dominated by paperwork; use it wisely.
➤ Get help drafting or reviewing your GOMOR rebuttal.
Professional Support for GOMOR Rebuttals and Follow-On Actions
GOMORs often lead to additional adverse actions: QMP, show cause boards, separation boards, and promotion denials. Handling your rebuttal properly not only addresses the immediate reprimand, but can also shape how future review boards and commands see your case. Strategic legal support ensures your rebuttal fits into a broader plan to protect your rank, retirement, and future.
➤ Speak with a military defense lawyer about your GOMOR and long-term strategy.
How to Write a GOMOR Rebuttal – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to submit a GOMOR rebuttal?
You are not required to submit a rebuttal, but it is almost always in your best interest to do so. Without a rebuttal, the general officer only sees the negative information and may assume you have nothing to add or do not contest the allegations.
Can a GOMOR rebuttal stop the reprimand from being filed permanently?
Yes. A persuasive rebuttal can convince the general officer to file the GOMOR locally rather than in your permanent record, or in some cases to rescind or not issue the reprimand at all. While there are no guarantees, a strong rebuttal significantly improves your chances.
How long should a GOMOR rebuttal be?
Most effective rebuttals range from two to five pages, not counting attachments. They are long enough to address key issues and present supporting evidence, but short enough that a general officer can read and understand them quickly.
Can I include letters of support with my GOMOR rebuttal?
Yes. Letters and statements from leaders, peers, and subordinates can be powerful. They should be specific, honest, and focused on your character, performance, and potential for continued service. Generic or “cookie-cutter” letters carry less weight.
Should I admit fault in a GOMOR rebuttal?
It depends on the facts. If you clearly committed misconduct, a carefully worded acceptance of responsibility paired with mitigation and a plan for improvement can be effective. If the allegations are false or exaggerated, you should respectfully dispute them and provide evidence to support your position. This decision is best made with legal advice.
How much time do I have to submit a GOMOR rebuttal?
Typically, you are given a short deadline, often on the order of a week or so, but extensions may be granted depending on the situation and command policy. It is important to act quickly, consult counsel, and request more time if you need it to gather documents and statements.
Can I challenge a GOMOR later if my rebuttal is unsuccessful?
In some cases, you may be able to request removal or transfer of a GOMOR through boards like the Army Board for Correction of Military Records. However, your best chance to influence the outcome is at the rebuttal stage, before the general officer makes a filing decision.
