The hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI is reaching fever pitch, and it seems the military is getting creative to boost morale and retention rates. A memo reportedly circulating within an Army base in Georgia appears to offer soldiers a four-day pass specifically to play GTA 6 as a re-enlistment incentive. But is this a genuine attempt to leverage gaming enthusiasm, or just an elaborate hoax?
The “GTA 6” Re-Enlistment Bonus
On August 17th, the Facebook/Instagram page “USA Army WTF!? Moments” shared a photo of a memo offering time to play GTA 6 as a re-enlistment incentive for soldiers in the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion. The memo, reportedly posted at Fort Stewart, Georgia, quickly spread across the Grand Theft Auto subreddit. The memo is addressed to “All Personnel, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion (9th BEB)” and details a “Special Reenlistment Incentive – Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) 4-Day Pass.”
This special four-day pass, valid from November 20-23, is intended “to establish a special re-enlistment incentive program to promote retention, boost morale, and reward the continued dedication of the Soldiers within the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion,” according to the reported memo. Only “active-duty enlisted soldiers assigned or attached” to the 9th BEB are eligible for this bonus. It’re important to note that this isn’t an Army-wide initiative available to all enlisted service members at the base.
The memo outlines the terms of the deal, linking it directly to the highly anticipated launch of GTA 6 on November 19th. “Any Soldier who signs a re-enlistment contract between August 1, 2026, and November 14, 2026, will be authorized for a special 4-day pass. This special pass is specifically designated to coincide with the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The exact dates of the 4-day pass will be coordinated between the Soldier and their chain of command, aligning with the official release date of the game November 20-23, 2026.”
The memo was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Hodgson, who took command of the 9BEB in July 2026. While Kotaku hasn’t been able to independently verify the authenticity of this memo, many details appear accurate, including the commander’s name, communication numbers, and formatting. Although it could be a prank, it would be quite elaborate.
In the past, soldiers online have talked about how desperate Army commanders can be when it comes to maintaining re-enlistment numbers, often offering various incentives like extra time off and other bonuses. This explains why many soldiers weren’t surprised by a commander using GTA 6 as another way to encourage enlisted soldiers to stay for a few more years.
Kotaku has contacted the Army and Fort Stewart for clarification and reached out to individuals who initially shared the memo online. As we approach November 19th, expect workplaces, government facilities, and other institutions to either accommodate GTA 6’s launch by allowing “sick days” or find ways to leverage it to attract employees or recruits.
Source: Kotaku
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