What\u0027s 1700 military time

1700 military time can be a confusing concept for many people, especially those who are unfamiliar with the way most militaries around the world keeps track of time. 1700 military time is in fact just another way of saying 5:00 PM. This particular time of day is important to the armed forces because it is the end of their traditional work day and can signify the start of certain duties or activities.

Military personnel are often required to keep track of their working hours more accurately than civilians, so they use a 24-hour clock system which includes both a.m. and p.m. times instead of just 12-hour clock times like civilians do. The twenty-four hour clock system starts at midnight and ends at 11:59 PM (unless it's midnight). From there, 1200 military time or 12 o'clock noon carries through to 11:59 PM (again unless it's midnight). Armed forces around the world find this form of timekeeping far more convenient than using conventional 12-hour measurements like AM/PM.

So what does 1700 military time mean? At 1700 hours or 5 PM, the normal schedule for soldiers, sailors and airmen will be coming to an end in most cases and they will either be allowed to go off-duty or begin preparations for whatever mission calls them next - depending on the branch they are serving in and what type of assignment they have at that particular moment in time. For example, if you were a Marine Corps infantryman assigned to combat operations in a warzone during World War II, 1700 hours/5:00 PM might very well mean mounting up your team for patrol duty in enemy territory that could last until dawn during some occasions!