Understanding Military Adverse Actions

Understanding Military Adverse Actions: Letters of Reprimand (LOR) and General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR)

Military members often face disciplinary measures for alleged misconduct or performance issues. Among these, Letters of Reprimand (LOR) and General Officer Memoranda of Reprimand (GOMOR) are commonly used to address violations of military standards. Though these actions are considered administrative, they can have severe and lasting impacts on a service member’s career. Understanding the process, the consequences, and how to respond is critical to protecting your military future.

What Are LORs and GOMORs?

Letter of Reprimand (LOR):
An LOR is a formal administrative reprimand issued by a commanding officer for minor misconduct or substandard performance. It serves as a written record of an offense or violation and aims to correct behavior without resorting to formal judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). While not a criminal conviction, an LOR can be filed in your military personnel file, potentially impacting future disciplinary actions or career advancement.

General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR):
A GOMOR is issued by a General Officer for more serious misconduct or breaches of military standards. Like an LOR, it may be placed in your personnel file, either locally or permanently. A GOMOR in your permanent record can severely hinder future promotions, assignments, and even retention. Permanent filing often has long-lasting consequences, as it follows the service member for the duration of their career.

The Process of LORs and GOMORs

1. Issuance of the Reprimand
   Upon suspected misconduct, a commanding officer or General Officer issues an LOR or GOMOR. This reprimand outlines the alleged violations, details the evidence, and informs the service member of the action being taken.
2. Right to Respond
   Service members have the right to respond to an LOR or GOMOR, usually within 7 to 10 days of receipt. This written response is an opportunity to dispute the allegations, provide mitigating evidence, and request that the reprimand be filed locally or dismissed. The timeline for responding is tight, but when private counsel is retained, it is common for an attorney to secure an extension of the deadline, giving you more time to craft a robust rebuttal.
3. Filing of the Reprimand
   After considering the service member’s response, the commanding officer or General Officer decides where to file the reprimand. It may be filed locally, where it remains for a temporary period, or in the permanent Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), where it could damage future career opportunities indefinitely.

Potential Consequences of LORs and GOMORs

Although administrative in nature, LORs and GOMORs carry significant career consequences, especially if filed permanently. These can include:

• Hindering promotion opportunities
• Damaging performance evaluations and fitness reports
• Limiting assignments and career advancement
• Leading to separation from service or affecting retirement benefits

Given these risks, it’s essential to act quickly and strategically when facing an LOR or GOMOR.

How a Military Attorney Can Help

Navigating an LOR or GOMOR can be overwhelming, but with the right legal assistance, you can significantly improve your chances of minimizing its impact. At Patriots Law Group and Lyons & Hughes, P.C., our experienced military attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending service members facing these adverse actions. We can assist by:

• Reviewing the evidence: We’ll thoroughly examine the evidence presented against you and identify weaknesses in the case.
• Drafting a compelling rebuttal: We will craft a detailed and persuasive response that challenges the reprimand or highlights mitigating circumstances.
• Negotiating with your command: We can work directly with your command to argue for a more favorable outcome, including filing the reprimand locally or not at all.
• Securing extensions: If the timeline is tight, we can request an extension of the response deadline, ensuring you have adequate time to prepare a thorough defense.

Call to Action: Protect Your Military Career – Contact Patriots Law Group Today

If you are facing an LOR or GOMOR, don’t wait to take action. The consequences of these reprimands can be severe, but with our legal expertise, you have the best chance of minimizing or avoiding long-term damage to your career. At Patriots Law Group and Lyons & Hughes, P.C., we have extensive experience defending service members from adverse actions across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and we assist clients worldwide.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure you have the best legal defense you need to protect your future in the military.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.