A group within the U.S. military is incentivizing its soldiers with extra time off if they choose to re-enlist soon. The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is offering a unique bonus centered around the launch of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI in November.
The battalion’s leadership believes that providing additional leisure time for troops to immerse themselves in the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series, known for its action-packed gameplay involving car thefts, police chases, and daring heists, will influence some soldiers to extend their service commitments.
The release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 is anticipated to be a major cultural event of the year. While specific pre-order figures have not been disclosed by game publisher Take-Two Interactive, CEO Strauss Zelnick described the demand as “unprecedented and astonishing.”
According to Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart, the concept of linking a retention incentive to the video game’s debut originated from a career counselor within the army engineer battalion. The aim was to align the bonus with soldiers’ interests and serve as a reminder of their upcoming re-enlistment deadlines.
In a communication to soldiers, the battalion commanders outlined that individuals who commit to re-enlistment contracts before November 14 will be granted “a special four-day pass” coinciding with the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. Lt. Col. Ryan Hodgson, the battalion commander, emphasized the connection between the bonus and the highly awaited game release.
Tomko verified the authenticity of a memo dated July 28, which detailed the bonus offer and was circulated online after being photographed. Reportedly, around 20 out of 130 eligible soldiers have opted for the bonus, contingent upon committing to an additional two years of service.
Anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI began in 2023 with the release of its initial cinematic trailer, showcasing a return to the fictional Vice City, a parody of Miami, and an extended array of Florida-based settings, including alligator-infested swamplands. To heighten excitement further, Rockstar Games, the game developer, intends to unveil gameplay footage through an extended Netflix trailer next week, following an unforeseen leak of purported content by hackers earlier this week.