US Army battalion giving soldiers 4 days off to play 'Grand Theft Auto VI' if they reenlist

A United States Army battalion has reportedly granted four days off to soldiers playing Grand Theft Auto VI during the game's launch in November 2026 if they reenlist. The directive, posted on Facebook, was addressed to active-duty enlisted soldiers of the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion eligible for reenlistment. The memo, dated July 28, announced that soldiers signing a reenlistment contract between August 1 and November 14 will receive a "special" four-day pass from November 20 to 23.

The pass was intended to coincide with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, aiming to promote retention, boost morale, and reward the soldiers' dedication. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan D. Hodgson, who became the battalion's commander in July 2026, signed the memo. The memo's authenticity and details have yet to be verified.