Preparing a Solid Rebuttal to a GOMOR – Legal Defense for U.S. Service Members
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a top-rated military defense firm that helps service members rebut damaging General Officer Memoranda of Reprimand (GOMORs). A GOMOR is one of the most career-threatening administrative actions a Soldier or officer can face—especially if it’s permanently filed in your Army record. It can lead to promotion denials, QMP selection, security clearance loss, separation boards, and career derailment.
Our firm helps clients prepare aggressive, strategic rebuttals that challenge the factual and legal basis of the reprimand. We’ve successfully removed GOMORs from permanent files, persuaded generals to rescind reprimands, and helped Soldiers avoid cascading administrative consequences. Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are nationally recognized as two of the leading military defense lawyers and UCMJ experts in the country. They’ve defended thousands of service members worldwide and are known for turning around high-risk cases before they escalate to separation or court-martial.
What makes our GOMOR rebuttal strategy effective?
- ✅ Decades of experience attacking weak command investigations and exposing flawed or biased findings.
- ✅ We write high-impact rebuttals that include legal analysis, witness statements, exculpatory documents, and command pressure evidence.
- ✅ We tailor rebuttals for specific goals—whether that’s full removal, local file restriction, or mitigation of downstream effects (e.g., QMP, clearance review).
- ✅ We’ve successfully rebutted GOMORs involving sexual misconduct, fraternization, DUI, domestic violence, leadership failures, and AR 15-6 findings.
- ✅ We defend against the secondary effects of a GOMOR, including involuntary separation, G-1 review, and career-ending flags.
If you’ve received a GOMOR—whether it’s based on a command investigation, informal allegation, or NJP—contact Gonzalez & Waddington before submitting a statement. One mistake can follow you for the rest of your career. Let us help you fight back and protect your name.
GOMOR Rebuttal – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GOMOR?
A GOMOR (General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand) is a formal administrative reprimand issued by a general officer. It can be locally filed or permanently filed in your Army personnel file (AMHRR). A permanently filed GOMOR can trigger QMP, derail promotion eligibility, and lead to involuntary separation.
Can I fight a GOMOR and win?
Yes. If your rebuttal is strong, fact-based, and legally sound, the issuing general may choose to withdraw the GOMOR, file it locally (instead of permanently), or modify it. We’ve helped clients defeat GOMORs through rebuttal alone—without needing further litigation.
What should I include in my GOMOR rebuttal?
Your rebuttal should include a professional statement that denies or mitigates the allegations, any evidence that disproves the claims, favorable character statements, and legal arguments showing command error, due process violations, or evidentiary gaps. We structure rebuttals to achieve specific outcomes—like avoiding permanent filing.
What happens if my GOMOR is permanently filed?
A permanently filed GOMOR can lead to denial of promotion, early separation through QMP, and clearance issues. It becomes part of your official record. However, even after filing, we may be able to remove it through appeal or file a correction with the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR).
Should I respond to the GOMOR on my own?
Not without legal counsel. Many Soldiers make the mistake of writing emotional or poorly argued rebuttals, which often lead to permanent filing. We ensure your rebuttal is structured, persuasive, and legally sound to give you the best chance at protecting your career.
Do you represent clients outside the Army?
Yes. While GOMORs are most common in the Army, we also defend similar adverse administrative actions in the Navy (NJP letters), Air Force (LORs), Marine Corps (Page 11 entries), and Space Force. We represent service members across all branches and ranks, worldwide.
Receiving a GOMOR, or General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, can feel devastating and overwhelming. For many service members, this singular administrative action threatens careers, reputations, and futures. The GOMOR Rebuttal Guide exists to help navigate this uncertain terrain with clarity, strategy, and purpose. If you or a loved one has received a GOMOR, you are not alone. With the right preparation and legal guidance, damage can be limited or even reversed. This guide empowers service members to understand the process, craft a solid defense, and stand up for their military careers. From learning what a GOMOR actually means, to preparing an effective rebuttal, the goal is to help you protect your record and preserve your future. At the heart of it all is one key truth — a GOMOR doesn’t define you, but how you respond to it might.
What You Need to Know About the GOMOR Rebuttal Guide
A GOMOR Rebuttal Guide is a vital resource designed to help service members respond effectively to a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand. A GOMOR is a formal administrative reprimand issued by a general officer. It carries serious consequences, especially if filed in a soldier’s permanent file, including negative career implications and an early end to service. The guide provides direction on how to handle this type of reprimand and draft a response that respectfully challenges its contents.
For instance, a soldier accused of fraternization may receive a GOMOR even prior to judicial review. Without a thoughtful rebuttal, even an unfounded allegation can stay in their record permanently. Another common case involves DUIs, where charges may be administratively handled through a GOMOR regardless of legal outcome. In both situations, a proper GOMOR rebuttal can offer crucial evidence, statements of character, or mitigating circumstances. This isn’t just a matter of formality — it’s your career on the line. The GOMOR Rebuttal Guide helps make sure your side of the story is heard.
Why Having a GOMOR Rebuttal Strategy Makes a Big Difference
A GOMOR can mean more than just a reprimand — it can shape your entire career. That is why the GOMOR Rebuttal Guide plays such an impactful role. It arms you with a thoughtful and structured method to push back against incorrect or unfair accusations. Without a rebuttal, a GOMOR may be accepted as unchallenged truth. This can lead to early separation, denial of promotion, or a stained military record. With a proper response, there is a chance to correct or remove the GOMOR, or at least minimize its damage.
The emotional toll of receiving a GOMOR is often unseen, leading to self-doubt and stress. The GOMOR Rebuttal Guide reduces that anxiety through clarity. By laying out timelines, content strategies, and procedural recommendations, it helps military personnel gain control during a time that can feel highly unstable. It reinforces the fact that you have options.
- Scenario 1 and consequence 1: An officer receives a GOMOR for alleged misconduct during deployment but doesn’t submit a rebuttal. The reprimand goes into their permanent record, halting promotions.
- Scenario 2 and consequence 2: A soldier is flagged with a GOMOR after an off-duty incident. They use the GOMOR Rebuttal Guide to include character letters and legal evidence, resulting in the GOMOR being filed locally instead of permanently.
- Scenario 3 and consequence 3: A senior NCO receives a questionable GOMOR. Without legal counsel or rebuttal, their career progression stalls, and they are forced into involuntary separation.
How the GOMOR Rebuttal Process Typically Unfolds Globally
- Step 1: A service member receives the GOMOR, usually after being notified via chain of command. They are informed whether it could be filed locally or in their permanent file.
- Step 2: The member is offered the opportunity to prepare and submit a rebuttal, typically within seven calendar days unless an extension is granted.
- Step 3: Once submitted, the commanding general reviews the rebuttal and determines the outcome — to withdraw, local file, or permanently file the GOMOR.
Expert Advice on Handling the GOMOR Rebuttal Process with Confidence
Answers to Common Questions About Using the GOMOR Rebuttal Guide
How Gonzalez & Waddington Can Help You with a GOMOR Rebuttal
Gonzalez & Waddington has earned a reputation for fiercely defending the rights and careers of military personnel around the world. Whether you’re an enlisted soldier, officer, or reservist, this experienced law firm brings decades of combined experience in military justice and administrative defense. Their keen strategic planning, thoughtful rebuttal crafting, and deep knowledge of Department of Defense procedures make them a powerful ally during a difficult time.
If you’re facing a GOMOR, Gonzalez & Waddington can provide the legal protection and peace of mind you deserve. Their team not only helps create clear, persuasive rebuttals but also walks you through each step while advocating for your rights. With their support, many clients have succeeded in avoiding permanent filing or having GOMORs entirely withdrawn. Their involvement can be the difference between a closed career path and redemption.
