In a unique move, the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is incentivizing its soldiers with an unusual bonus for re-enlistment. Soldiers who choose to extend their military service will receive an extra four days off strategically scheduled around the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI in November.
The leadership at the battalion believes that offering time off to enjoy the latest installment of the popular video game series will influence some soldiers to continue their military careers. The release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 is predicted to be a significant entertainment event of the year, with unprecedented pre-order sales according to Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick.
A career counselor within the battalion collaborated with commanders to link a retention incentive to the release of the game, aiming to prompt soldiers to consider their re-enlistment options. Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart, stated that the intention was to create a unique program that resonates with soldiers’ interests.
Soldiers who choose to re-enlist and sign contracts before November 14 will be granted a special four-day pass, as outlined in a memo by battalion commander Lt. Col. Ryan Hodgson. Tomko verified the authenticity of the memo dated July 28, which has been circulated online.
Reportedly, around 20 out of 130 eligible soldiers have already opted for the bonus offer. To qualify, soldiers must commit to serving a minimum of two additional years in the military.
Anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI has been mounting since 2023, especially after the release of the first cinematic trailer showcasing a return to the fictional Vice City, a satirical representation of Miami, along with new locations in Florida, including swamplands populated by alligators.
Adding to the excitement, developer Rockstar Games plans to unveil gameplay footage in an extended trailer on Netflix soon, after hackers leaked apparent footage online earlier this week.