Administrative Actions


Military law involves the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and a number of other statutes, regulations, and instructions. Commanders can use these to address misconduct that does not warrant a court-martial. The different military branches each have their own administrative actions available for commanders to use.

General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR)

A General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand is an administrative measure short of an Article 15. It is considered a “career killer” in the Army. A GOMOR is authorized by AR 600-37, Unfavorable Information. The Commander has two options for filing – either in the local file or the performance portion of the AMHRR.

A GOMOR can have the effect of rendering someone ineligible for promotion, triggering an administrative discharge board or Board of Inquiry , a retirement grade determination, or the inability to reenlist.

You have the chance to rebut the GOMOR before it is filed. KMD has assisted clients with their rebuttal statements so effectively that the response has changed the General’s mind on many occasions, resulting in either withdrawal of the GOMOR or local filing. Statements in rebuttal to the GOMOR are filed with the GOMOR itself, which can impact future decision-makers for things like promotion, retirement grade determinations, and future appeal. This is why it is important to obtain the assistance of a military defense attorney who can help you put together the best response for your situation.

Finally, a Soldier can appeal the filing of a GOMOR to the Department of the Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB). The Soldier can request removal from the AMHRR or transfer to the restricted portion of the AMHRR. KMD has experience filing DASEB appeals and has a great track record of success. Even simply moving the GOMOR to the restricted portion of the AMHRR can have a profound effect on a Soldier’s career.

As one former client, a MAJ in the US Army, put it:

“I can’t thank you enough for the work you put into this appeal.  While the GOMOR was not removed entirely, I’m greatly satisfied with the results.  I’m able to continue with my career and begin to put this behind me.  It’s been a very trying time in my life and career.  There’s more I’d like to add but I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and emotions at the moment.  Simply put, thank you Stephanie.”

Counseling Records

Each service has its own methods of administrative counseling to correct behavior. For example, the Navy has counseling chits, a nonpunitive letter of caution (NPLOC), and a punitive letter of reprimand. The Marine Corps has a “6105” based on the paragraph of MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) requiring counseling before administrative separation. The Air Force and Space Force have letters of counseling, letters of admonishment, and letters of reprimand.

These counselings are designed to track the chain of command’s attempts to impose discipline and the servicemember’s deficiencies. They are written records that are later used for administrative separation or as matters in aggravation at a court-martial . They can also impact your ability to test or be selected for promotion, PCS, be selected for competitive training courses, or use certain benefits like tuition assistance.

Counseling is a system that is ripe for abuse. When the chain of command has personal motives, they can stack counselings to create a pattern of alleged misconduct that is an inaccurate representation of the truth. KMD has experienced many situations where a SNCO exaggerates conduct or imposes multiple counselings on junior servicemembers in one day, then claims it is an uncorrectable “pattern” and recommends administrative separation to the Commanding Officer.

These counselings can be particularly devastating for SNCO’s and Officers. However, a strong rebuttal can have the effect of withdrawing the letter or setting up the servicemember for later requests for removal from the OMPF or correction at the BCM/NR [HYPERLINK]. Strong rebuttals at the time of the counselings can also be beneficial if they are trying to use the counselings to administratively separate you.

Adverse Evaluations

Receiving an adverse evaluation can have a serious impact on your career, including affecting your promotion potential. Each service has a method for rebutting or appealing evaluations, and you’ll want to ensure your rebuttal is sufficient to fully document the problems with the evaluation/FITREP/OER/OPR to ensure the highest likelihood of success when appealing or requesting later correction through the BCM/NR [HYPERLINK].

Relief from Command

There are a variety of steps you can take if you have been wrongfully relieved from command. The services rarely ever issue a reason why someone was relieved of command, except to say “loss of confidence.” This has become a particular problem in the Navy, where the number of Commanding Officers relieved from command has reached astronomical proportions.

When you are relieved from command, you can take an aggressive approach by filing complaints with the appropriate authorities. You can also fight back on a Detachments for Cause or an adverse FITREP (Navy) or adverse OPRs and OERs (Air Force, Space Force, and Army).

SHARP Complaints, PAC Complaints, and EO Complaints

SHARP Complaints, PAC Complaints, and EO Complaints all have different regulations specific to the type of investigation, the procedures involved, and the particular service you’re in. These are high stakes investigations that involve a number of nuances that require a skilled military defense lawyer to help you navigate.

Substantiated allegations in these types of complaints can lead to mandatory administrative action against you, including administrative discharge. It is essential to retain the assistance of a military defense lawyer as early in the process as you can. At KMD, we help you navigate the investigation to seek the best outcome possible. If you are subject to administrative or punitive action, we help you respond so as to avoid those mandatory outcomes if possible.

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Military Defense Attorneys

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*Please note, KMD does not handle cases involving the Department of Veterans Affairs, disability claims, or family law matters.

You never expect to need an attorney while you are serving in the Military. You even procrastinate thinking you can manage the simplicity of your case, because after all, you are innocent, and you think the Government will recognize that. However, sometimes simplicity is not a government characteristic and things can spiral out of control. If you are a service member and ever need legal assistance, I implore you to call an Attorney.You will want a knowledgeable attorney with a military background, extensive NLSO connections, who shoots straight and will be the sharp end of your legal sword.Stephanie Kral was my attorney through 3 years of managing my case against the U.S. Gov. and without Stephanie and her team, it would have been a nightmare. I am fortunate to have enlisted her services and had the opportunity to watch her navigate the complexities of military law. She is everything you will want in an experienced attorney for both simple and complex cases. Call them immediately!
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The paralegal Danielle is one of the best I have worked with. She was and is still one of my mentors in my career and life. She took care of me a many others as a defense paralegal manager. She always makes time for you. Her knowledge and her compassion for taking care of people is why she is who she is!! The Best! She is someone you will always want on your side. She is truly one of the best people I know!!!!
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Stephanie is the most professional, well respected, and most genuine legal person that I know in the business. After working with her, from the moment we talked to the time she finished my case, she gave not only 100 percent of her time and dedication but also complete devotion to my needs, advise, and my case without hesitation. Her extensive background in military law coming from her military background as a Major in the United States Airforce and now civilian law comes unmatched. Her dedication to protecting the rights of military members speakes for itself with the flawless record she has out there in the fleet. Words cant express enough what she has done for me and my family ensuring I got the fairest case available and the best outcome there was. Thank you Stephanie. She is the best there is!!
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Fortunately, I have not had to use these services however, once I heard Danielle worked here I knew I would be in good hands should I ever need assistance. Danielle was my paralegal supervisor when I was first entered into the paralegal career field and she changed my career trajectory for the better. She paved the way for me to promote through the ranks and managed my training phase from an apprentice to a journeyman in the career field. She has expert knowledge and provides candid feedback to those who ask. She's an all around professional.
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I have been attempting to write this review for Stephanie for 3 months, Everytime I write it I delete it because I don’t think it’s good enough. This review was long past due but To the individual that may be facing any type of legal troubles from the bottom of my heart this is THE lawyer that you want on your side. At the age of 21, I faced 20 years in prison for a crime I did not commit. Stephanie is the definition of top-tier no words can describe how grateful I am for Stephanie and her team. She not only got my case dismissed, but she gave me my life back, for 2 1/2 years I was stuck in South Korea my command didn’t allow me to take leave. When I told Stephanie she dropped everything and went above and beyond, Steph personally told the government they better allow me to take leave to see my family. THE SAME DAY! They granted me 45 days of leave & when I came back I received a call from Stephanie, yelling with joy “ they are dropping all the charges “. Stephanie is that lawyer you see in movies who always wins, even when you feel like something isn’t going right Stephanie is always in control. Not only did the government lawyers respect her, the judge respected her , the Commanding General respected her and knew her name. So all I can say is thank you Stephanie and if you’re someone who truly needs help this is your lawyer ! Stephanie told me I was her second longest case that she ever had but one thing I can always guarantee about Stephanie is she never lacks when it comes to communication anything you wanna know anything you should know she will let you know Stephanie is an open book she tells you how it is she’s not gonna lie to you or waste your time.From the bottom of my heart thank you Stephanie !
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Steph is the best in the business. She is compassionate, hardworking, intelligent, diligent, and knowledgeable. As a fellow attorney and colleague, I have reached out to Steph to bring her on board and help with some of my toughest cases, knowing having her by my side would lead to the best possible outcome.She is a fierce advocate for her clients; she does not back down or take nonsense from anyone. She is one of the few attorneys I would never want to see on the other side of a case.If you are in a tough spot and in need of legal assistance, you will not find better representation than Stephanie Kral.
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Stephanie Kral is an amazing attorney. She went above and beyond and works tirelessly to get the best outcome. She is a caring and intelligent attorney who chooses to personally communicate with you along the way, always making you feel like a priority. Stephanie, Thank you for all you do!
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About The Firm


Kral Military Defense defends members of America's military throughout the world. We do not maintain physical office space in the traditional sense. Instead, we offer secure video and telephone consultations and meet with current clients, as needed, at home and abroad.

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Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92108

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