Military Time: A Simple Guide

What is Military Time?

military time, also known as 24-hour clock, is a method of timekeeping used by the military and other industries that require precise and standardized time management. Unlike the regular 12-hour clock system, military time uses a 24-hour cycle with hours ranging from 00 to 23.

Why Use Military Time?

The use of military time eliminates confusion and errors caused by ambiguous or unclear designation of AM or PM. It also facilitates communication among different organizations that may operate in different time zones.

Benefits of Using Military Time:

• Simpler to understand and read
• Avoids confusion between AM/PM designations
• Facilitates communication across various organizations with different operational times.
• Minimizes errors in crucial tasks such as flight scheduling, medical treatments etc.

Converting Standard Time to Military Time:

To convert standard (12 hour) format into military (24 hour) format you can add or subtract 12 from the current hour depending on if it is morning or afternoon/evening respectively:

If Morning:
(Current Hour + 12)
Example:9am becomes (9+12) =21 hrs in military format. If Afternoon/Evening:
(Current Hour - 12)
Example:5pm becomes (5-12) =17 hrs in military format. Note that midnight equals zero – so midnight would be written as "0000". Noon would be written as "1200" since noon falls right between midnight and 1pm.

How to Read Military Time?

Military time is read out as a four-digit number indicating the hour and minutes. The first two digits represent the hours, while the last two digits represent minutes. For instance, 1430 or "14:30" in military time signifies 2:30 p.m.

The Bottom Line:

Military time is an easy-to-use and practical method of standardizing time that offers several benefits over traditional clock systems. By embracing military-time conventions, individuals and businesses can create a uniform approach to managing their schedules, making it easier to schedule appointments or maintain proper punctuality.