Would You Trade 2 Years for 4 Days of GTA 6?

Last verified: October 3, 2026

CONFIRMED: A U.S. Army battalion is offering soldiers four days off timed to the GTA 6 launch, if they re-enlist first.

The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, part of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, laid it out in a July 28 memo from battalion commander Lt. Col. Ryan D. Hodgson: sign a re-enlistment contract between August 1 and November 14, and receive a "special 4-day pass" timed to the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

The trade

Four days of leave in exchange for a minimum of two more years of military service, up to six on a full contract. About 130 soldiers are eligible. At least 20 have already signed up, per the Army.

Confirmed, not a hoax

The memo first surfaced on the "U.S. Army WTF! Moments" Facebook page and drew skepticism online, including debate over the letterhead. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Angel Tomko confirmed the memo's authenticity to the Associated Press, USA Today, and NBC News. The idea came from the battalion's career counselor, working with commanders, as a way to connect re-enlistment to what soldiers actually want.

Why it matters (OUR TAKE)

When the U.S. military starts using a video game launch as retention policy, you are looking at the scale of the attention economy around GTA 6. Launch week will be the biggest concentrated audience event in entertainment history. Millions of people are rearranging their lives around November 19. The ones who position themselves before the wave, not during it, capture the value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the US Army really giving soldiers time off to play GTA 6?

Yes. The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia is offering a special 4-day pass timed to the November 19 GTA 6 launch for soldiers who re-enlist. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Angel Tomko confirmed the memo is authentic to the AP, USA Today, and NBC News.

What do soldiers have to do to get the 4 days off?

Sign a re-enlistment contract between August 1 and November 14, 2026, and commit to at least two more years of service, up to six on a full contract. About 130 soldiers are eligible.

How many soldiers have taken the offer?

At least 20 of the roughly 130 eligible soldiers had signed up as of the Army's latest statement.

Who came up with the idea?

The battalion's career counselor proposed it with commanders, and battalion commander Lt. Col. Ryan D. Hodgson signed the July 28 memo. The stated goal was connecting re-enlistment to what soldiers are actually interested in.

Is the memo real or fake?

Real. It first spread through the "U.S. Army WTF! Moments" Facebook page and some people questioned the letterhead, but the Army confirmed its authenticity.

Does Rockstar have anything to do with this?

No. This is a US Army retention incentive, not a Rockstar or Take-Two promotion.

Also worth your time:

Every Confirmed GTA 6 Detail (Live Tracker)

Get the free Day-One Money Plan