Intro
Decipher the military clock with our guide to 5 PM in military time. Learn how to convert standard time to 24-hour military time, including the basics of military time zones, hour notation, and minute conversion. Discover the significance of military time in various fields and master the art of telling time like a pro.
Converting time from standard to military time can be a bit confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. In military time, the day starts at 0000 hours (midnight) and ends at 2359 hours (11:59 PM).
Here's how to convert 5 PM to military time:

In military time, the hours are numbered from 0 to 23. To convert 5 PM to military time, you would simply add 12 to the hour. So, 5 PM becomes 17 hours. The minutes remain the same.
Understanding the Basics of Military Time
Military time uses a 24-hour clock, which means that the day is divided into 24 equal periods. This system is used to avoid confusion between AM and PM, especially in situations where precise communication is critical, such as in the military, aviation, and navigation.
Military Time Conversion Chart
Here's a simple conversion chart to help you convert standard time to military time:
- 12:00 AM = 0000 hours
- 1:00 AM = 0100 hours
- 2:00 AM = 0200 hours
- 3:00 AM = 0300 hours
- 4:00 AM = 0400 hours
- 5:00 AM = 0500 hours
- 6:00 AM = 0600 hours
- 7:00 AM = 0700 hours
- 8:00 AM = 0800 hours
- 9:00 AM = 0900 hours
- 10:00 AM = 1000 hours
- 11:00 AM = 1100 hours
- 12:00 PM = 1200 hours
- 1:00 PM = 1300 hours
- 2:00 PM = 1400 hours
- 3:00 PM = 1500 hours
- 4:00 PM = 1600 hours
- 5:00 PM = 1700 hours
- 6:00 PM = 1800 hours
- 7:00 PM = 1900 hours
- 8:00 PM = 2000 hours
- 9:00 PM = 2100 hours
- 10:00 PM = 2200 hours
- 11:00 PM = 2300 hours
How to Tell Time in Military Format
To tell time in military format, you need to specify the hour and the minutes. For example, 5:45 PM would be written as 1745 hours.

In military time, the hours are always written in four digits, with the minutes written separately. For example, 3:15 AM would be written as 0315 hours.
Common Military Time Expressions
Here are some common military time expressions:
- "Zero hundred hours" = 12:00 AM
- "Zero five hundred hours" = 5:00 AM
- "Twelve hundred hours" = 12:00 PM
- "Seventeen hundred hours" = 5:00 PM
Why Is Military Time Used?
Military time is used to avoid confusion between AM and PM, especially in situations where precise communication is critical. It's also used to standardize timekeeping across different time zones and to simplify scheduling and coordination.
Examples of Military Time in Real-Life Situations
Here are some examples of military time in real-life situations:
- "The meeting will start at 0800 hours sharp."
- "The flight departs at 1400 hours."
- "The deadline for submitting the report is 1700 hours."
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting time from standard to military time is a simple process that involves adding 12 to the hour and keeping the minutes the same. Understanding military time can be useful in a variety of situations, from scheduling meetings to coordinating flights.

We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of military time and how to convert standard time to military time.
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What is military time?
+Military time is a 24-hour clock system used to avoid confusion between AM and PM.
How do I convert standard time to military time?
+To convert standard time to military time, add 12 to the hour and keep the minutes the same.
Why is military time used?
+Military time is used to avoid confusion between AM and PM, especially in situations where precise communication is critical.