Soldiers incentivized to reenlist with time off to play Grand Theft Auto VI

August 20, 2026 - 14:07

The U.S. Army has found an unconventional way to boost reenlistment numbers: giving soldiers paid time off to play the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI. According to an Army spokesperson, twenty soldiers have already accepted the offer since it was announced last week. The initiative is part of a broader effort to retain experienced personnel in a competitive job market where private tech and security firms often lure away trained service members.

Under the program, soldiers who sign a new contract for at least three more years of service receive an extra 72 hours of administrative leave. The only requirement is that they use that time to play the game, which is set to release in the fall. The Army says the idea came from a focus group of younger troops who cited long work hours and limited downtime as a major factor in their decision to leave the service.

While the move has drawn some criticism from veterans' groups who see it as a gimmick, the Army defends it as a practical morale booster. "We are meeting soldiers where they are," the spokesperson said. "If a few days of virtual crime sprees keep a skilled operator in uniform, that is a win for the force." The offer is limited to the first 500 soldiers who qualify, and the Army is tracking interest closely. So far, the response has been modest but steady, with most takers coming from combat support roles. The service is also exploring similar perks tied to other major entertainment releases in the coming year.