GOMOR Rebuttals and How to Hit Back
General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand (GOMORs) can significantly impact a Soldier’s career if not addressed properly. Whether you’re a senior officer, an NCO, or just beginning your journey in the Army, a GOMOR poses a serious threat to your future opportunities, can lead to damaging separation actions, and may even prompt intervention from the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Simply put, a GOMOR in your permanent record can jeopardize your Army career.
At Capovilla and Williams, we approach GOMORs with the same seriousness as we do court-martials, separation boards, and boards of inquiry. Our dedicated team of attorneys specializes in Army administrative law, and we have effectively helped numerous Soldiers defend against unjust, unsubstantiated, and unreasonable GOMORs.
Every Soldier who chooses our services for a GOMOR rebuttal will receive an exceptional team dedicated to countering the allegations with a singular goal: to have the GOMOR destroyed or filed locally. Each Soldier is assigned a lead attorney with extensive Army legal experience, a seasoned paralegal, and a full-time investigator committed to interviewing witnesses, developing your defense strategy, and conducting thorough investigations on your behalf. We are here to fight for you and ensure you have the strongest representation possible.
As many of you are aware, we host the “Military Justice Today” podcast. Check out our episode focused on strategies for successfully combating GOMORs: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defending-against-military-letters-of-reprimand-gomor/id1583652299?i=1000604150520
WHAT IS A GOMOR
A GOMOR is often known as the “Army’s Dirty Little Secret.” Commanders and legal advisors frequently recommend GOMORs in cases involving serious allegations such as sexual assault or domestic violence when evidence is insufficient for a court-martial. These GOMORs serve as a strategic, albeit underhanded, way for commanders to protect their interests against demands for action from alleged victims when formal charges can’t be substantiated. Essentially, GOMORs can be viewed as covert attempts to terminate a Soldier’s career, even when the allegations lack credible support or defy common sense. The good news? At Capovilla & Williams, we boast an elite team of GOMOR defense attorneys who are dedicated to these cases every single day. We have a proven plan designed with one objective in mind – to win.
WHERE DO GOMOROS COME FROM?
AR 600-37, titled “Unfavorable Information,” delineates the Army’s policies and procedures regarding the management of unfavorable information within a Soldier’s Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR). This regulation requires commanders to take appropriate actions concerning unfavorable information related to their subordinates. Typically, only general officers and school commandants have the authority to issue and direct the filing of a GOMOR.
HOW A GOMOR CAN JACK UP YOUR ENTIRE CAREER!
Receiving a GOMOR can lead to serious negative implications for soldiers. When flagged due to unfavorable information, soldiers may face restrictions on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and promotions, and they are often perceived as guilty until proven innocent by their superiors and peers.
The issuance of a GOMOR can also initiate various administrative processes, including the Qualitative Management Program (QMP), Promotion Review Board (PRB), and Standby Advisory Board (STAB), among others. Additionally, any unfavorable information that raises concerns about a soldier’s eligibility for security clearance might need to be reported to the relevant counterintelligence office.
HOW TO STRATEGICALLY COUNTER AND EFFECTIVELY DISMANTLE A WEAK GOMOR WITH A POWERFUL REBUTTAL
Here’s the bottom line: if you don’t have a specific plan to address the allegations in a GOMOR, you’ll face serious repercussions. Many Army legal service offices will suggest you draft your own response, gather character statements, and essentially “fall on your sword.” This approach leaves you isolated, without the means to effectively counter baseless accusations, and you run the risk of becoming just another casualty of the Army’s “dirty secret.”
At Capovilla & Williams, we refuse to accept the status quo, and we’ve built our reputation by empowering Soldiers with the resources they need to fight back vigorously. We don’t depend on flawed findings from an AR 15-6 or CID investigation. Instead, you will have your own investigator dedicated to building your defense, interviewing witnesses on your behalf, and ultimately crafting your narrative. This is not just important; it’s essential.
Take, for example, a decorated Soldier we represented who had an exemplary career in special operations. After he caught his ex-wife having an affair, she falsely accused him of sexual assault. Despite the CID investigation suggesting there was probable cause for the allegation, the Army knew they lacked the evidence necessary to pursue a court-martial, yet they issued a baseless GOMOR anyway.
We acted swiftly, assigning one of our top investigators to the case. This investigator conducted thorough interviews with several witnesses and uncovered direct evidence from the accuser’s best friend that completely contradicted her story. The result? The GOMOR was destroyed, and our client is now enjoying a peaceful retirement.
The takeaway is clear: do not put your trust in biased investigations. If you’re serious about winning, you need the best legal team on your side. We will leave no stone unturned to expose the truth.
Once our investigation is wrapped up, our dedicated paralegals will compile your Good Soldier Book, gather character statements, and do everything possible to demonstrate to your command that the allegations are false. From there, your lead counsel will collaborate closely with you to craft a compelling rebuttal aimed at getting the GOMOR destroyed or rescinded. With us, you’re not just fighting back; you’re standing strong.
REMOVING A BASELESS GOMOR FROM YOUR MILITARY RECORDS
If you’re a Soldier who has a GOMOR in your permanent record, don’t lose hope—there is a path to pursue justice! Soldiers have the opportunity to appeal for the removal of a GOMOR through the Army Board of Corrections, and this process can lead to a positive outcome.
To strengthen your appeal, it’s essential to present clear and compelling evidence that shows the GOMOR is either untrue or unjust, either in whole or in part. This evidence may include an official investigation that refutes the allegations, decisions from higher authorities that challenge the basis of the GOMOR, notarized witness statements, relevant historical documents, and legal opinions.
Additionally, you can request the transfer of a GOMOR to the restricted portion of your AMHRR on appeal. To qualify for this transfer, you must have received at least one evaluation after the GOMOR was issued. It’s crucial to provide substantial evidence that demonstrates “the intended purpose of the document has been served” and that moving this information would be in the best interest of the Army. This could include supportive statements from the authority that imposed the GOMOR, evaluations from your current or previous chain of command, court documents, notarized witness statements, expressions of remorse, evidence of personal rehabilitation, and any other information that supports your case.
Stay determined and proactive—it’s possible to turn this situation around!
CONTACT CAPOVILLA & WILLIAMS TODAY
Here’s the bottom line: we have the skill, resources, passion, and expertise to empower you in the face of challenges. Soldiers who reach out to us after receiving a GOMOR often feel disheartened and struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But we’re here to change that. Our mission is to fiercely advocate for Soldiers like you.
Capovilla & Williams began as a two-man law firm with a single vision: to fight relentlessly for Soldiers. Today, we have grown into a robust team of nearly 35 professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, all dedicated to achieving your goals. We are ready, willing, and fully equipped to stand by your side. Keep your fire alive—call us today at 855-442-6271!
