What is 2359 military time? The quick answer is 11:59 PM, in regular time.
Following the principles to reading military time, all hours beyond the 12:00 noon mark will add an hour to the base of 12, thus removing the concept of 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM etc., and replacing them with 1300, 1400 and so on.
We’ll delve into the details in the following sections.
Table of Contents
The Meaning of 2359 in Military Time
As mentioned in the introductory section of this article, 2359 translates to 11:59 PM in 12 hour time format.
The definition of military time is the usage of the 24-hour format when reading time. This means time readings don’t stop at 12, but instead continue to 1300 up until 2359.
Additionally, you may observe that 2359 is not followed by a “PM” despite being equivalent to 11:59 PM. This is because military time does not make use of the AM/PM concepts.
There wouldn’t be a need for AM/PM usage since the hours after noon do repeat, anyway.
How to Convert to Military Time
Converting military time to regular time involves mainly focusing on the period of the day (before noon, noon, and afternoon).
- Before noon time
Hours before noon and noon itself are all relatively easy to read.
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- The figures are retained, and the only two major differences would be the absence of “AM” and the manner time is read aloud. So, 7 AM in the morning is “0700” in military time.
As to how the time should be read, whole-time figures such as 0500, 1000, or 1200 are preceded by the word “zero” followed by the word “hundred.” Thus giving us the following readings: zero five/ ten/twelve hundred.
- After noon time
Other time figures are read the same, minus the “AM.” The tricky part is with the hours after noon.
The basic principle was already introduced previously.
Simply add the normal time figure to the base of 12 (noon).
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- If in normal time we have 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, military time would give 1300, 1400, and 1500.
After-noon hours follow the same format and reading as those before noon, such that “PM” is dropped and whole-time figures are preceded with “zero” and followed with the word “hundred.”
Quick Conversion Tips
For speedy conversion, always remember this trick: 12 plus normal time reading figure, equals military time. This specifically applies to afternoon hours since they are usually trickier to convert.
For a more visual guide, you may refer to this 24-hour, 12-hour and military time chart below:
| 24-hour Format | 12-hour Format | Military Time |
| 00:00 | 12:00 AM | 0000 / 2400 |
| 23:59 | 11:59 PM | 2359 |
| 23:00 | 11:00 PM | 2300 |
| 22:00 | 10:00 PM | 2200 |
| 21:00 | 9:00 PM | 2100 |
| 20:00 | 8:00 PM | 2000 |
| 19:00 | 7:00 PM | 1900 |
| 18:00 | 6:00 PM | 1800 |
| 17:00 | 5:00 PM | 1700 |
| 16:00 | 4:00 PM | 1600 |
| 15:00 | 3:00 PM | 1500 |
| 14:00 | 2:00 PM | 1400 |
| 13:00 | 1:00 PM | 1300 |
| 12:00 | 12:00 NN | 1200 |
| 11:00 | 11:00 AM | 1100 |
| 10:00 | 10:00 AM | 1000 |
| 09:00 | 9:00 am | 0900 |
| 08:00 | 8:00 AM | 0800 |
| 07:00 | 7:00 AM | 0700 |
| 06:00 | 6:00 AM | 0600 |
| 05:00 | 5:00 AM | 0500 |
| 04:00 | 4:00 AM | 0400 |
| 03:00 | 3:00 AM | 0300 |
| 02:00 | 2:00 AM | 0200 |
| 01:00 | 1:00 AM | 0100 |
You may also make use of this military time converter:
Overview Of Military Time
Some historical accounts point to the 11th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt as the beginning of military time reading. This association came to be when a 24-hour clock was found in an ancient coffin lid.
Back then, the 24-hour clock was known as the Diagonal star Table. At this period, time reading was also dependent on the constellation patterns at night and the sun’s position and light intensity during the day.
The history of the 24-hour time format usage in combat and war communication is estimated to have begun in 1920 when the United States Navy adopted the said tie system. At present, Navy Seals still set their watches to the 24-hour format.
Application of Military Time
Military time, as its name clearly suggests, is widely used in military communication due to its clear and direct nature and format. By using the 24-hour format to communicate sensitive and crucial information, the error probability is avoided.
Other than the military, hospitals, emergency facilities, and some academic institutions also use the military time format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read/pronounce 2359 in military time?
Following the principles discussed in the previous sections, 2359 is read or pronounced as twenty-three fifty-nine.
What is the difference between military time and standard time?
Military time is a time format used as an alternative to the 12-hour format, while standard time, as its name indicates, is a time reading standardized and specific to the area or region. Standard time is also known as local time.
Truly, these two concepts can be confusing. For example, when faced with the question what time is 23:59 EST, you are being asked for both military time and standard time (eastern standard time).
So, keep in mind military time is a reading conversion. Meanwhile, standard time is a time conversion with respect to the time zone concerned.
Conclusion
What is 2359 military time? Hopefully, with the help of this article, this question is now easier for you to answer.
Always remember military time is not only useful in the military but can also benefit civilians and non-uniform personnel. This is especially because a lot of non-military situations make use of the 24-hour format nowadays.
Make sure to practice and return to this article when confused. Good luck!
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