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  • T Minus 29

Get to Know Army Lingo — Tell Time Like a Soldier!

When your Trainee ships out to Basic Training, they don't just start learning discipline and drill—they also enter a whole new world of timekeeping! In the military, there’s no 9 to 5. Instead, it’s all about the 24-hour clock, better known as military time.

When your Trainee ships out to Basic Training, they don’t just start learning discipline and drill—they also enter a whole new world of timekeeping! In the military, there’s no 9 to 5. Instead, it’s all about the 24-hour clock, better known as military time.

At first, it might look like a secret code—but don’t worry! We’re here to break it down so you can follow along like a seasoned pro.

Why Does the Military Use a 24-Hour Clock?

Because precision matters. When operations run 24/7, there’s no room for mix-ups between a.m. and p.m. That’s why military time is the standard across all branches of service.

Fun Fact: The U.S. Navy started using the 24-hour clock in 1920 after World War I, and the Army followed in 1942. Ever since, military time has been the go-to for clarity and consistency.

Military Time Made Easy

Here’s a quick-reference chart to help you convert military time at a glance:

12-Hour TimeMilitary Time12-Hour TimeMilitary Time
12:00 a.m.0000 (Zero Hundred)12:00 p.m.1200
1:00 a.m.01001:00 p.m.1300
2:00 a.m.02002:00 p.m.1400
3:00 a.m.03003:00 p.m.1500
4:00 a.m.04004:00 p.m.1600
5:00 a.m.05005:00 p.m.1700
6:00 a.m.06006:00 p.m.1800
7:00 a.m.07007:00 p.m.1900
8:00 a.m.08008:00 p.m.2000
9:00 a.m.09009:00 p.m.2100
10:00 a.m.100010:00 p.m.2200
11:00 a.m.110011:00 p.m.2300

How to Read It Like a Soldier

Let’s demystify it:

  • No a.m. or p.m. — Each hour stands on its own.
  • Start at 0000 (pronounced “zero hundred hours”) for midnight.
  • Add 100 for every hour after that (e.g., 1 a.m. = 0100, 2 a.m. = 0200).
  • At noon, it’s 1200 hours.
  • From 1 p.m. on, just add 12 to the civilian time. So 3 p.m. = 1500.
  • Time is always written in four digits (e.g., 0630 = 6:30 a.m.).

Pro Tip: To convert any time after 1200, just subtract 12. So, 2000 hours – 12 = 8:00 p.m. Easy!

“O’ Dark Thirty” – The Start of a Trainee’s Day

You might hear your Trainee mention they woke up at “O’ Dark Thirty.” That’s military slang for the super-early hours—usually anywhere from midnight to 0500. It’s not just about early mornings—it’s about maximizing every moment of training and transformation.

From sunrise formations to late-night lessons, every second counts in their journey from civilian to Soldier. Military time helps keep them locked in, focused, and mission-ready—every hour of the day.

So now, when your Trainee says they’ll write you around 2100 hours, you’ll know—that’s 9:00 p.m. sharp! 

Welcome to the world of military time—you’ve got this! Hooah!

I’ll be back next week with another update for you.

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)