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Fort Stewart Soldiers Offered Four Days Off to Celebrate Grand Theft Auto VI Release
At Fort Stewart, Georgia, some soldiers are being presented with a unique reenlistment incentive: four days of paid leave to enjoy one of the most eagerly awaited video game launches in recent memory.
Lt. Col.
Ryan Hodgson, commander of the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion within the 3rd Infantry Division, has introduced a special offer for soldiers who reenlist between August 1 and November 14, 2026. Those who commit during this window will receive a four-day pass timed to coincide with the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News and first reported by the military-focused online community “U.S.
Army W.T.F! moments.”
“The battalion recently brought in a new career counselor who proposed a fresh, creative approach to reenlistment incentives,” said Lt. Col.
Angel Tomko, spokesperson for the division. He added that the 3rd Infantry Division, which encompasses around 15,000 soldiers, was recognized last year for leading the Army in successful reenlistment campaigns.
To qualify for this gaming break, soldiers must reenlist for an additional two to six years of service. So far, 20 soldiers have taken advantage of the offer, Tomko confirmed.
Reenlistment bonuses are a common strategy used across the military to retain personnel nearing the end of their current contracts. These incentives often include financial bonuses, job or duty station changes, or additional time off, like in this case.
While recruiting efforts have faced challenges in recent years, retention has generally remained steady. The Army routinely meets its reenlistment goals annually, although results can vary by job specialty and unit.
Grand Theft Auto VI, developed by Rockstar Games, is the latest installment in the highly popular action franchise known for its satirical take on American culture and politics. The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, modeled after Florida, including the iconic Vice City-a stand-in for Miami. The storyline follows a criminal duo reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde.
After nearly a decade in development, the new release is anticipated to become one of the biggest video game launches ever. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, having moved over 230 million copies globally. GTA V also set records as the fastest game to reach $1 billion in sales, achieving that milestone just three days after its debut.