A United States military unit is providing an incentive for troops to re-enlist by offering them extra days off coinciding with the launch of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI in November.

The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is utilizing the release of Grand Theft Auto VI as a retention tool to encourage soldiers to extend their service commitments. The game, known for its action-packed gameplay involving carjackings, police shootouts, and daring heists, is set to be a significant entertainment event upon its release on November 19.

According to Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart, the idea for this unique re-enlistment incentive program was conceived by a career counselor within the army engineer battalion. By offering soldiers the opportunity to enjoy extra leisure time around the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, the army aims to align the retention perk with the interests of its personnel.

In a memo to soldiers, battalion commanders outlined that those who re-enlist and sign contracts by November 14 will be rewarded with a special four-day pass. So far, approximately 20 out of the 130 eligible soldiers have taken advantage of this bonus offer by committing to serve an additional two years in the military.

Anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI has been mounting since 2023, particularly following the release of its initial cinematic trailer showcasing a return to the fictional Vice City, a satirical representation of Miami, and an expanded range of Florida-based settings, including alligator-filled swamps. Rockstar Games, the developer behind the game, plans to unveil gameplay footage in an extended trailer on Netflix, following an apparent leak of footage by hackers earlier this week.