Scumbags

“Hey you, Scumbag!" In 1972, as the Vietnam War neared its final years, the U.S. Army continued the urgent task of preparing new officers for combat. At Fort Benning’s demanding Infantry Officer Candidate School, young soldiers were transformed into leaders through months of relentless physical and mental training.

Scumbags: The Making of an American Officer recounts the experiences of John Oreskovich as a member of Infantry Officer Candidate School Class 4-72, which graduated on July 12, 1972 and commissioned 126 new officers into the United States Army. Through long runs in combat boots, endless push-ups, strict discipline, and the constant scrutiny of tactical officers, candidates endured one of the Army’s toughest leadership programs.

Written with humor, candor, and occasional disbelief at what was demanded of them, this memoir captures the intensity, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments of life inside OCS. From the biting sarcasm of the tactical officers—quick to address candidates as “Scumbag”—to the pride of earning a commission, this story offers a vivid look at the making of an American Army officer during a turbulent era.

Topics Include:

• Infantry Officer Candidate School training at Fort Benning

• Leadership development in the U.S. Army

• Life as an OCS candidate during the Vietnam War era

• Military discipline and tactical officer training methods

• Physical endurance and combat preparation

• Humor and survival in a demanding training environment

• Camaraderie among officer candidates

• Early career training including Airborne and Air Defense