The Importance of Starting Early When Facing a GOMOR

Let’s get real. If you’ve been handed a GOMOR (General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand), the clock is already ticking. You have seven days to respond, and in the world of military justice, that’s no time at all. But here’s the thing: if you’re already working with a legal team before that GOMOR shows up, you’re not starting at zero. You’re starting ahead.

Why Early Preparation Matters

GOMOR rebuttals aren’t just a few pages of excuses or denials. They’re 15- to 20-page masterpieces of advocacy. Sometimes, they’re part of a packet that’s over 100 pages long, packed with evidence, sworn statements, and every shred of proof we can gather. Why? Because credibility is everything. If a Commanding General doubts even one fact, you’ve lost them.

Think about it: if we claim something happened, we back it up. If we say Johnny said A, B, C, and D, there’s a footnote and a sworn statement from Johnny to prove it. If we reference text messages, we attach them. By the time the General has read three or four facts, they know we’re not wasting their time. They know we’re shooting straight. That trust? It’s earned, and it’s the foundation of every successful rebuttal.

Building a Case Before the GOMOR Arrives

Here’s a scenario I see all the time. A soldier waits until they’ve been handed a GOMOR to call me. By then, the investigation is over, the allegations are set, and the seven-day clock has started. Sure, I can help. But we’re playing catch-up. Contrast that with someone who calls me the moment they know they’re under investigation. Whether it’s a 15-6 inquiry, a CID investigation, or something else, we start building their case immediately.

By the time a GOMOR is issued, we’ve already done the legwork. We’ve gathered statements, analyzed the evidence, and mapped out the narrative. It’s not about scrambling to respond in seven days; it’s about presenting a polished, airtight rebuttal that’s been weeks or even months in the making.

Why Credibility is Non-Negotiable

Credibility isn’t just important in a GOMOR rebuttal—it’s everything. The minute you lose it, you’re done. That’s why I tell my clients: if there’s something you need to take ownership of, take ownership of it. Don’t spin, don’t exaggerate, and for the love of everything, don’t lie. A Commanding General can smell BS from a mile away. If you own up to your mistakes and explain them honestly, it builds trust. And trust can save a career.

On the flip side, if the allegations are baseless, we go to the mat proving it. We gather the evidence, interview witnesses, and dismantle the case piece by piece. But that’s only possible if we have the time and the groundwork already in place.

The Risk of Waiting Too Long

Waiting until you’re holding a GOMOR to call a lawyer is like waiting until your house is on fire to buy a smoke detector. Can we help? Sure. But you’re making it harder than it needs to be. If you’re under investigation, even if no charges have been filed, that’s the time to call. The earlier we get involved, the better your chances are of coming out on top.

Here’s an example. A soldier once called me on day three of their seven-day GOMOR window. I was in Japan at the time, deep in another case. By the time we connected, we had only a few days left to gather evidence, request an extension, and craft a rebuttal. We got it done, but it was a scramble. Now, contrast that with another client who called me six months before their GOMOR arrived. By the time it hit, we had everything ready to go. No panic. No rushing. Just a solid, well-prepared response that got results.

Final Thoughts

A GOMOR isn’t just an administrative slap on the wrist. It’s a career-altering event, and how you respond can determine your future in the military. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. But the key is to act early. If you’re under investigation, don’t wait until the last minute to get help. The sooner you start, the stronger your defense will be.

Because when it comes to saving your career, preparation isn’t just important—it’s everything.