AR 15-6 Investigations and GOMORs in the Army
Understanding the Army’s Administrative Punishment System
If you’re a Soldier under investigation or have received a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR), you’re facing one of the most dangerous administrative processes in the Army. While not criminal, these actions can destroy your career, reputation, and chances at promotion or retirement. Whether the issue started with an informal complaint, IG referral, or command suspicion, chances are you’re now being targeted through an AR 15-6 Investigation — and potentially a GOMOR.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law aggressively defends Soldiers in every component of the Army — Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard — facing adverse administrative actions. We’ve helped thousands of Soldiers fight back against flawed 15-6 investigations and career-ending GOMORs across the globe.
What Is an AR 15-6 Investigation?
AR 15-6 is the Army’s formal regulation for investigations. It allows commanders to appoint investigating officers (IOs) to examine allegations of misconduct, toxic leadership, EO violations, sexual harassment, fraternization, and other offenses.
- May be initiated based on command suspicion, complaints, or command climate surveys
- Can be informal (short summary with interviews) or formal (with findings, recommendations, and legal review)
- Can be used to justify a GOMOR, separation, relief for cause, or other adverse actions
- Often biased, poorly conducted, or based on uncorroborated accusations
What Is a GOMOR?
A GOMOR (General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand) is a written reprimand issued by a general officer. It may be based on a 15-6 finding, civilian arrest, or alleged misconduct — even without charges. GOMORs can be filed either:
- Locally Filed: Remains in your command file and eventually destroyed
- Permanently Filed: Placed in your Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR) — seen by promotions, QMP, command selection boards
Why These Actions Are So Dangerous
- Even without UCMJ action, a GOMOR or adverse 15-6 can lead to elimination, QMP, or retirement grade reductions
- Commanders may “punish” Soldiers using 15-6/GOMOR as a backdoor court-martial
- Findings are often made without cross-examination, full discovery, or legal protections
- Investigating Officers (IOs) are rarely impartial and often push command agendas
- GOMORs filed in your permanent file are career-ending — especially for senior NCOs and officers
How We Fight Back
- Review 15-6 findings for legal, factual, and procedural errors
- Draft powerful rebuttals to GOMORs that combine facts, law, character evidence, and extenuation
- Challenge hearsay, lack of corroboration, and bias in investigations
- Prepare supporting statements, service records, and evaluations for command review
- Advocate for local filing or complete rescission of the GOMOR
- Defend follow-on actions: QMP boards, separation boards, retirement grade determinations
Why Soldiers Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
- Led by former Army JAG Michael Waddington, with decades of Army legal experience
- Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is a top-tier military trial strategist who defends administrative boards worldwide
- We’ve won GOMOR cases at Fort Liberty, Fort Bliss, Fort Carson, Korea, Germany, and beyond
- We understand Army politics, personalities, and how to navigate chain of command dynamics
- We only take serious cases, giving each Soldier our full attention and effort
Take Immediate Action
Once a 15-6 is complete or a GOMOR is issued, you may have only 7 to 14 days to respond. Don’t waste that time with a generic rebuttal. Let our team develop a comprehensive defense that protects your career, retirement, and reputation.
AR 15-6 & GOMOR Defense – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I challenge a 15-6 investigation?
Yes. While there is no formal appeal process for a 15-6, you can submit a rebuttal, provide evidence to your chain of command, and challenge its use in follow-on actions like a GOMOR or separation. We help clients dismantle flawed 15-6 reports every day.
What happens if my GOMOR is permanently filed?
A permanently filed GOMOR can end your career. It is visible to QMP boards, command selection, and promotion boards. It can trigger involuntary separation or block retirement. That’s why fighting it from the beginning is critical.
Can I request a GOMOR be removed later?
Yes, but removal is rare and must go through the Department of the Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB). Your original rebuttal plays a key role in whether the board grants removal later, so it must be strong from the start.
Should I hire a civilian lawyer for a GOMOR or 15-6?
Yes. While your TDS attorney may assist, a civilian defense lawyer like Gonzalez & Waddington can provide greater firepower, time, and expertise. These are high-stakes administrative actions that often determine whether you stay in the Army.
How do I contact your firm?
Visit ucmjmilitarylaw.com/contact to request a confidential consultation. We will evaluate your GOMOR, 15-6, or pending action and build a tailored strategy to fight back.