In an effort to boost re-enlistment rates, the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is offering troops an enticing incentive: an extra four days off aligned with the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI in November.
The battalion’s commanders believe that providing soldiers with dedicated time to enjoy the latest installment of the popular video game series, known for its immersive gameplay involving car theft, police encounters, and daring heists, will influence some personnel to extend their military service.
Anticipation is high for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, with Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, describing pre-order sales as “unprecedented and astonishing.” To creatively encourage re-enlistment, a career counselor within the battalion collaborated with leadership to link a retention benefit to the game’s debut, aiming to prompt soldiers to consider their upcoming re-enlistment deadlines.
Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart, shared that the unique initiative was designed to align with soldiers’ interests and provide a distinctive incentive. The battalion circulated a memo stating that individuals who finalize re-enlistment agreements before November 14 will be rewarded with a special four-day pass coinciding with the Grand Theft Auto VI launch.
The authenticity of the memo, dated July 28, was verified by Tomko after it circulated online. At present, approximately 20 out of 130 eligible soldiers have opted in for the bonus offer, contingent upon committing to an additional two years of service.
Excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has been mounting since 2023, particularly after the release of its initial cinematic trailer showcasing a return to the fictional Vice City, a satirical rendition of Miami, and an expanded array of Florida-themed locations, including alligator-populated swamplands.
Developer Rockstar Games is set to unveil extended gameplay footage on Netflix following an unexpected leak of apparent gameplay snippets by hackers earlier this week, further fueling anticipation for the game’s launch.