Grand Theft Auto VI may be one of the biggest game launches ever, and a reported memo from Fort Stewart in Georgia has added an unusual claim to the anticipation: some soldiers could receive time off to play it if they re-enlist.
On 17 August, the Facebook/Instagram page “USA Army WTF!? Moments” shared a photograph of the document. It reportedly applies to personnel in the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, or 9th BEB, at Fort Stewart. The image was subsequently posted to a Grand Theft Auto subreddit and spread from there.
The document is addressed to all personnel assigned or attached to the battalion and carries the subject line “Special Reenlistment Incentive – Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) 4-Day Pass”. It describes the offer as a retention and morale measure designed to recognise soldiers who continue their service.
Under the reported arrangement, active-duty enlisted soldiers assigned or attached to the 9th BEB could qualify by signing a re-enlistment contract between 1 August and 14 November 2026. The proposed pass would run for four days, with the listed period spanning 20–23 November and intended to coincide with the game’s expected 19 November launch.
“Any Soldier who signs a re-enlistment contract between 1 August 2026 and 14 November 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 is reportedly signed by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Hodgson, who assumed command of the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion in July 2026.
Is the GTA 6 leave offer genuine?
The document has not been authenticated. Several details appear consistent with the unit, including the commander’s name, contact numbers and the memo’s formatting. Soldiers discussing the image online have also highlighted those points, although they do not establish that the offer is official.
It could still be a prank or fabricated document, even if creating it would have required considerable effort. The reported incentive also fits a broader history of military units using additional leave and other benefits in attempts to improve re-enlistment numbers. In the past, soldiers online have talked about incentives offered by their units.
Importantly, the reported programme does not appear to be an Army-wide benefit or an offer available to every enlisted service member at Fort Stewart. If genuine, it would be limited to eligible personnel within the 9th BEB, with the timing subject to coordination through each soldier’s chain of command.
GTA 6 could reshape launch-day routines
The story illustrates how a major release can influence workplaces, public institutions and other organisations well beyond gaming. As November approaches, some employers and groups may need to prepare for increased leave requests, while others could attempt to use the game’s enormous attention to attract staff, customers or recruits.
For more coverage of gaming developments, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers planning a dedicated gaming setup can also explore our arcade machine buying guide or browse the latest arcade machines.
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