U.S. Army Troops Offered Special Bonus for Grand Theft Auto VI Release
A U.S. army unit based at Fort Stewart, Ga., is providing an enticing incentive for soldiers looking to re-enlist by offering them four extra days off coinciding with the launch of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI in November.
The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion commanders believe that granting soldiers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series, known for its adrenaline-pumping carjackings, intense shootouts with law enforcement, and daring heists, will motivate some to extend their military service.
Anticipation for the Nov. 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI is at a peak, with Take-Two Interactive, the game’s publisher, reporting unprecedented pre-order numbers. Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart, revealed that a career counselor within the army engineer battalion proposed the retention bonus idea to align with soldiers’ interests, with the aim of reminding them of their upcoming re-enlistment deadlines.
In a memo circulated to soldiers, the battalion commanders outlined that those who commit to re-enlistment contracts before Nov. 14 will receive a special four-day leave. Lt. Col. Ryan Hodgson, the battalion commander, emphasized that this leave coincides with the Grand Theft Auto VI release date.
Confirming the authenticity of the July 28 memo, Tomko disclosed that approximately 20 out of 130 eligible soldiers have already taken up the offer. To qualify for the bonus, soldiers must agree to serve an additional two years in uniform.
Excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has been mounting since 2023, particularly after the release of the initial cinematic trailer showcasing a return to the fictional Vice City, a Miami-inspired setting, and a broader range of Florida-based locations, including treacherous gator-filled swamps.
Further fueling the anticipation, developer Rockstar Games intends to unveil gameplay footage next week through an extended trailer on Netflix, although this plan was hastened due to leaked gameplay footage circulating online.
