Understanding the General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) in the Military
Defining GOMOR:
A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, commonly known as a GOMOR, is a formal written reprimand issued by a General to a soldier for misconduct. This administrative tool addresses behavior that fails to meet Army standards, encompassing violations of military regulations or civilian laws, such as receiving a DUI off post.
Possible Actions Following a GOMOR:
Upon issuing a GOMOR, the General has two options for filing the letter:
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1. Permanently in the soldier’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), which has long-term implications for the soldier’s career.
2. In the soldier’s local file, which is less impactful and can be a more favorable outcome for the soldier.
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The Soldier’s Response to a GOMOR:
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Before the final filing decision is made, soldiers have the right to submit a written response to the GOMOR. This response is a critical element of the process and can significantly influence the outcome. It can be used to deny, explain, or refute the alleged misconduct and may include a request for the GOMOR to be filed locally, potentially safeguarding the soldier’s career.
However, crafting this response requires careful consideration and legal expertise. The content of the response not only impacts the immediate decision regarding the filing of the GOMOR but can also have repercussions in any ongoing criminal proceedings or future considerations, such as promotion boards, especially if filed in the OMPF.
The Importance of Legal Assistance:
Given the potential consequences, it is imperative for soldiers to seek legal assistance when responding to a GOMOR. An experienced military attorney can guide the soldier in drafting a response that accurately represents their position while minimizing negative implications for their military career and legal standing.
