A U.S. Army unit is providing its troops a particular bonus if they reenlist quickly: 4 further days off timed around the November launch of the online game Grand Theft Auto VI.

Commanders of the ninth Brigade Engineer Battalion based mostly at Fort Stewart, Georgia, believe free time to indulge in the newest entry in the Grand Theft Auto collection — in which gamers commit carjackings, battle police in shootouts and try audacious heists — will sway some troopers to lengthen their army commitments.

The Nov. 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to be one of the yr’s greatest leisure occasions. Game writer Take-Two Interactive hasn’t launched gross sales figures for preorders, but CEO Strauss Zelnick just lately called them “unprecedented and astonishing.”

At least 20 of 130 eligible troopers have signed up for the bonus. NurPhoto via Getty Images

A profession counselor with the Army engineer battalion hatched the concept with commanders to tie a retention perk to the recreation’s launch, in half to remind troopers of their approaching reenlistment dates, said Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a Fort Stewart spokesperson.

“The idea was to have a unique incentives program that connects to what soldiers are interested in,” Tomko said Thursday in a assertion to The Associated Press.

Battalion commanders wrote in a memo to troopers that these who signal reenlistment contracts by Nov. 14 would obtain “a special 4 day pass.”

“This special pass is specifically designed to coincide with the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI,” battalion commander Lt. Col. Ryan Hodgson wrote.

Tomko confirmed the authenticity of the July 28 memo, which was photographed and posted on-line.

She said at least 20 of 130 eligible troopers have signed up for the bonus. To qualify, they must commit to serving at least two more years in uniform.

An indication stands outside the predominant gate of Fort Stewart, Ga. on August 6, 2025. AP Photo/Russ Bynum

Battalion commanders wrote in a memo to troopers that these who signal reenlistment contracts by Nov. 14 would obtain “a special 4 day pass.” Getty Images

Buzz for Grand Theft Auto VI has been constructing since 2023, when its first cinematic trailer confirmed a return to the collection’ fictional Vice City — a satirical analogue of Miami — and an expanded swath of Florida-based locales that embody gator-infested swamps.

Underscoring the hype, developer Rockstar Games plans to debut gameplay video next week in an prolonged trailer on Netflix. The rollout was preempted when hackers leaked obvious footage on-line this week.