What are the career expectations of a WO1 who gets a GOMOR?

2017-04-08T04:25:01-04:00

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 8 at 2017 6:50 AM

2017-04-08T06:50:47-04:00

Passed over for WO2 twice, unqualified resignation
Passed over for WO2 twice, directed to separate

I have no doubt some WO1 or 2 otherwise overcame a GOMAR...but in lot of years serving, to include the last 5 in a Div HQ I never saw one

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 7:20 AM

2017-04-08T07:20:38-04:00

There aren't any.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Apr 8 at 2017 7:55 AM

2017-04-08T07:55:47-04:00

If it's placed in someone's local file, then they can probably overcome it. If it goes into their permanent file, I suspect that will be a career-ender.

At lower levels, with higher promotion rates (CW2, CPT and MAJ), promotion boards look for people NOT to promote. It's simply easier to find the handful of people at the bad end of the distribution. Any red flag that appears within the file is like a beacon to the board members. A GOMOR is one of those beacons. At higher levels (CW3, LTC and above), with lower promotion rates, promotion boards are at the other end of the distribution. It's simply easier to find the studs and studettes. They are looking for those things within the record that distinguish people favorably (outstanding ratings, key jobs, key schools, deployments, key connections, etc.).

Unfortunately, the bottom line is that if it goes into someone's permanent file, I can't think of a scenario where they can have a successful career. The GOMOR will continue to haunt them at every board opportunity (schooling, promotions, etc.).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 8 at 2017 11:19 AM

2017-04-08T11:19:07-04:00

It's a numbers game. Most don't know how boards work. They basically go through 3 crunches (4 is rare). First pass skims off the water walkers with no bad paper. You won't be there. Second pass is of the group that totals enough numbers to more than meet the body count. It's cut off at a point where the board concludes that anyone below a certain first crunch value won't be considered further. The question would be did the GOMOR put you above or below that cut point. Much has to do with the topic, reasoning, and connection to future potential. If in all other respects your record is great, my board experience is we've, more often than not, placed that record in the second crunch pile so a second reviewing officer can weigh in. The result when voting in the tank will be the result. If by chance you made the third crunch, that's where the focus shifts more to finding reasons to toss. There are not that many slots to fill. That's where any negative stands forth big time. Saw a comment that boards orient towards figuring out the bottom end, chopping that off, and that's that. Not true overall given the precepts and the established process to evaluate. Since crunches are based on individual reviewing officer passes, nobody deeply reviews all the records unless a 4th crunch is necessary. Also voting is "level of confidence", not linear. Having a large promote rate actually can make the work of the board harder vs. a low rate. It's just a different dynamic. I've been on junior/senior officer boards and others. They all wind up with their own path given the precepts, flow rate, and cumulative individual records. You just can't assume anything going in.

You have another inherent disadvantage also driven by the numbers game. W-Types are a much smaller community. The "flow rate" from W! to W2 is probably worse than going from O4 to O5. I'll defer to those with actual knowledge.

Understanding the board precepts and what the evaluation process is goes a long way to figuring out what point in the process a negative aspect becomes a game ender. One of the things a good reviewing officer does when presenting the record is context. Does the negative item fit? Is it a singular lapse connected or not connected to duty performance? Is there a disconnect? A GOMER during the same period as a great Fitrep and EOT will be noted and the value of the GOMER diminished. If supported by subsequent Fitrep, etc. the reason to vote a lower level of confidence is there. It's never a "slam dunk" because the process won't allow for it. The level of severity and breath determine the point where you go no further.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-04-08T12:29:15-04:00

If advancing to CW2 isn't an option because of it, can you switch back to enlisted?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 12:46 PM

2017-04-08T12:46:55-04:00

You will get passed over for promotion unless you can get the GOMOR rescinded or at least moved to your restricted file. In order to that, you need to appeal to the GO who issued the GOMOR with a reason why either action should take place. Many GOs are forgiving (at least in part) if you can show that you have learned from your mistake and can be an asset to the Army.
Good luck, CW2 Stephen Pate

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 2:59 PM

2017-04-08T14:59:44-04:00

Depends if it is local or not. If not local then I would say that the WO1 in question should be happy as a WO1, because CW2 is probably not in their future.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 8 at 2017 3:07 PM

2017-04-08T15:07:22-04:00

Recommend you look at AR 600-8-29 Officer promotions. The BC will have to sign the DA Form 78 to promote from WO1 to CW2. If I remember that Form, there were three (3) options: promote, do not promote, do not promote and do not retain. I saw a 2LT in my unit with a zipper problem get the third option...prior service guy with 10 years in the Army. Gone in two weeks.

I tried to find more on the failure to advance to CW2 in the reg (para 1-16 through 1-21) ran out of time. The 78-R doesn't have the do not retain but has a remarks block. I would research that aspect. I saw that SGM Erik Marquez said two times passed over. That would be if the local command was trying to keep you. I would see also who that Reviewing authority is on the 78-R. If it is the same person who issued the GOMOR, that could be bad.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Apr 8 at 2017 10:51 PM

2017-04-08T22:51:53-04:00

GOMOR doesn't really allow one to go far after receiving one. All comments read are accurate.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 2:45 PM

2017-04-18T14:45:13-04:00

I know of a 1LT that received a GOMOR as a SSG.....he then made SFC.......and then had his commissioning packet approved.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 4:07 PM

2018-07-23T16:07:27-04:00

I am having to make a decision on what to do for my career. At this point I have been not selected for SFC the past three boards due to items within my file (GOMAR, Relief of Cause, and Article 15 for the same offense in 2011). This is of course an assumption and right now I am thinking about pursuing a career as a Warrant Officer. I have talk with numerous individuals who think I should submit my packet. I am just wondering that if I get selected, is this issue always going to be held over my head? I really do not want to just do my 20 as a SSG knowing there will be no progression down the line.

At the same time I may take the Warrant route and risk not even making it to my 20. If I submit the waivers for the packet and they accept the issue from the get go, would they hold it against me down the line?

Just looking to get some opinions before I dive in, thank you.