The 9th Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, has introduced a reenlistment incentive granting soldiers a special four-day leave to coincide with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) in November 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The leave, scheduled from November 20 to 23, 2026, aligns with the highly anticipated launch of the game [1, 2, 3].
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan D. Hodgson, who became battalion commander in July 2026, signed the memo offering the leave [1, 3]. Hodgson said the "special pass is specifically designated to coincide with the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)" [3].
Soldiers who reenlist between August 1 and November 14, 2026, qualify for the four-day leave offer [1, 2, 3]. Approval must be obtained through the chain of command, and the leave cannot be combined with other leave to exceed four consecutive days [2]. Soldiers with administrative punishments or those failing physical fitness standards may be temporarily ineligible [2].
The incentive applies only to the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, not the entire Army or all personnel at Fort Stewart [3]. It aims to promote retention, boost morale, and reward soldier dedication within the battalion [1, 3].
GTA 6 is expected to generate $5.2 billion in revenue during its launch week, following $260 million in preorders [1]. Interest in the game appears to have influenced the Army’s approach to retention offers.
Despite the detailed memo and verification of some elements, the US Army and the battalion have not officially confirmed the policy’s authenticity [1, 3].
The leave period from November 20 to 23, 2026, marks the game’s launch window. Soldiers seeking the benefit must reenlist before November 14, 2026, and secure command approval for the leave days [1, 2, 3].
