The military has its own time zones which are different from civilian time zones. The military names each time zone with a letter A-Z, instead of a common name or abreviation, which is how civilian time zones are named.
The military uses letters to name time zones for efficiency, accuracy and to prevent mistakes when communicating time. Precise time is extremely important when planning missions. Rendevous, extractions and other field opporations rely heavily on highly accurate timing and lives depend on it. A simple mistaken time zone could easily jeopardize an entire operation and the lives of the soldiers in that operation.
If you are on Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT), you would use the second column to find your Zulu Time/UTC. For instance, if it's 11 a.m. Kingston acronis. Eastern Daylight Saving Time in. From time: 10:33:55 GMT DST OFF, To time: 10:33:55 GMT DST OFF.
How are Time Zones Named in the Military
UTC (Universal Time Zone) or GMT, is considered the 'starting point' for imte zones. This zone is given the letter 'Z'. Since Z has the call sign of 'Zulu' in the military, it is commonly referred to as 'Zulu' time zone or 'Zulu Time'. Moving West from Zulu, or UTC, time zones are named sequentially from A to M. Moving East from UTC, time zones are named sequentially from N to Y. This intuitive naming allows for simpler translation and conversion of times during planning phases, and in daily military life.
Military Time Zone Chart with UTC Offset
Time Zone Letter | Military Name | UTC Offset | Military Time @ 12:00PM UTC | Civilian Time @ 12:00PM UTC |
---|---|---|---|---|
© ArmyTimeConverter.com | ||||
A | Alpha | UTC +1 | 1300 | 1:00 PM |
B | Bravo | UTC +2 | 1400 | 2:00 PM |
C | Charlie | UTC +3 | 1500 | 3:00 PM |
D | Delta | UTC +4 | 1600 | 4:00 PM |
E | Echo | UTC +5 | 1700 | 5:00 PM |
F | Foxtrot | UTC +6 | 1800 | 6:00 PM |
G | Golf | UTC +7 | 1900 | 7:00 PM |
H | Hotel | UTC +8 | 2000 | 8:00 PM |
I | India | UTC +9 | 2100 | 9:00 PM |
K | Kilo | UTC +10 | 2200 | 10:00 PM |
L | Lima | UTC +11 | 2300 | 11:00 PM |
M | Mike | UTC +12 | 0000 | 12:00 AM |
N | November | UTC -1 | 1100 | 11:00 AM |
O | Oscar | UTC -2 | 1000 | 10:00 AM |
P | Papa | UTC -3 | 0900 | 9:00 AM |
Q | Quebec | UTC -4 | 0800 | 8:00 AM |
R | Romeo | UTC -5 | 0700 | 7:00 AM |
S | Sierra | UTC -6 | 0600 | 6:00 AM |
T | Tango | UTC -7 | 0500 | 5:00 AM |
U | Uniform | UTC -8 | 0400 | 4:00 AM |
V | Victor | UTC -9 | 0300 | 3:00 AM |
W | Whiskey | UTC -10 | 0200 | 2:00 AM |
X | X-ray | UTC -11 | 0100 | 1:00 AM |
Y | Yankee | UTC -12 | 0000 | 12:00 AM |
Z | Zulu | UTC +0 | 1200 | 12:00 PM |
Download Printable Charts in Excel or PDF
Download these charts to convert military time zones to standard time zones.
While it is easy for civilian companies to manage the three or four major contintental US time zones straight, remember the Military operates all over the world. Time zone naming is not standardized in foreign countries. Each one has its own unique way of referring to their time zone. Units in different parts of the world can name their time zone one way, while a unit in another calls the same one something different.
The armed forces conduct missions across multiple time zones, in various countries with different languages. Using time zone letters leaves the smallest margin of error and simplifies the communication of time no matter where the military operates, or where the mission is taking place.
Using letters to name time zones make it easier to encrypt and decode plans. The system of military letter time zones also removes the possibility of confusing common names for one time zone with another.
So, naming time zones by letter makes the military more efficient, effective and safe. Learn more about civilian time zone naming here
Military Time Zone Letters and Corresponding GMT Times
The military names time zones in a simple, efficient way. The zero meridian time zone, also called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT and Universal Time or UTC, is given the letter 'Z' or Zulu, taking the army call sign for Z. This is the Zulu time you hear in movies and shows. The Z stands for the military's time zone, also relates to the zero meridian, and zero hour offset for the time zone. It is neither behind or ahead universal time.
Military time zones are then designated letters sequentially in each direction moving east or west from 'Z'. Each one corresponds to the number of hours ahead or behind UTC.
Going West from GMT, time zones are numbered A to M. East of GMT, military time zones are lettered N through Y.
The first time zone west of UTC or GMT, is one hour ahead, and has letter A or Alpha. Time Zone A, just east of Z includes countries like Paris, Germany, Oslo and countries like Algeria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
The time zone west is letter B, 'Bravo' and it includes countries like Finland, Egypt and Libya. Russia is in 11 time zones for instance, its most westerly coast adjacent to the US is in the last time zone that is ahead of GMT, or GMT +12.
The first time zone east of UTC is UTC -1 or GMT -1 (one hour behind), and that is letter N. This includes the Azores and Cape Verde in Africa. The last time zone west of GMT is letter Y or Yankee (military call sign), the international date line. The line that delineates date changes. It is also GMT +12.
Countries in military time zone Y include Fiji and Kirbati.
How the Military Names Time Zones and Corresponding GMT Times
What do the military time zone letters mean? The military names time zones in a simple, efficient way. The zero meridian time zone, also called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT and Universal Time or UTC, is given the letter 'Z' or Zulu, taking the army call sign for Z. This is the Zulu time you hear in movies and shows. The Z stands for the military's time zone, also relates to the zero meridian, and zero hour offset for the time zone. It is neither behind or ahead universal time.
Military time zones are then designated letters sequentially in each direction moving east or west from 'Z'. Each one corresponds to the number of hours ahead or behind UTC.
Going West from GMT, time zones are numbered A to M. East of GMT, military time zones are lettered N through Y.
The first time zone west of UTC or GMT, is one hour ahead, and has letter A or Alpha. Time Zone A, just east of Z includes countries like Paris, Germany, Oslo and countries like Algeria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
1500 Zulu Time Now
The time zone west is letter B, 'Bravo' and it includes countries like Finland, Egypt and Libya. Russia is in 11 time zones for instance, its most westerly coast adjacent to the US is in the last time zone that is ahead of GMT, or GMT +12.
The first time zone east of UTC is UTC -1 or GMT -1 (one hour behind), and that is letter N. This includes the Azores and Cape Verde in Africa. The last time zone west of GMT is letter Y or Yankee (military call sign), the international date line. The line that delineates date changes. It is also GMT +12.
Countries in military time zone Y include Fiji and Kirbati.
US, Canada, Mexico Time ZonesAtlantic Daylight Time (ADT) • Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) • Central Daylight Time (CDT) • Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) • Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) • Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) • Hawaii Time • Arizona • Saskatoon • New York • Toronto • Mexico City • San Francisco • Chicago • Houston • Miami • Phoenix • Halifax • Denver • Monterrey • Chihuahua
Europe Time Zones
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) • British Summer Time (BST) • Western European Summer Time (WEST) • Central European Summer Time (CEST) • Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) • London • Paris • Berlin • Athens • Warsaw • Kiev • Belarus • Moscow • Madrid • Stockholm • Amsterdam • Istanbul
Australia, New Zealand Time Zones
Zulu Time Chart
AEST • ACST • AWST •New Zealand Time (NZT) • Queensland • Adelaide • Brisbane • Canberra • Melbourne • Perth • Sydney • Auckland • Fiji • Solomon Islands • Papua New Guinea
Asia Time Zones
India • Pakistan • China • UAE • Japan • Korea • Philippines • Thailand • Hong Kong • Taiwan • Malaysia • Singapore • Jakarta • Bangladesh • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Kuwait • Saudi Arabia • Viet Nam • Oman • Israel • Jordan • Beijing • Bangalore • Kuala Lumpur • Manila • Tokyo • Seoul • Karachi • Dubai
The military has its own time zones which are different from civilian time zones. The military names each time zone with a letter A-Z, instead of a common name or abreviation, which is how civilian time zones are named.
The military uses letters to name time zones for efficiency, accuracy and to prevent mistakes when communicating time. Precise time is extremely important when planning missions. Rendevous, extractions and other field opporations rely heavily on highly accurate timing and lives depend on it. A simple mistaken time zone could easily jeopardize an entire operation and the lives of the soldiers in that operation.
If you are on Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT), you would use the second column to find your Zulu Time/UTC. For instance, if it's 11 a.m. Kingston acronis. Eastern Daylight Saving Time in. From time: 10:33:55 GMT DST OFF, To time: 10:33:55 GMT DST OFF.
How are Time Zones Named in the Military
UTC (Universal Time Zone) or GMT, is considered the 'starting point' for imte zones. This zone is given the letter 'Z'. Since Z has the call sign of 'Zulu' in the military, it is commonly referred to as 'Zulu' time zone or 'Zulu Time'. Moving West from Zulu, or UTC, time zones are named sequentially from A to M. Moving East from UTC, time zones are named sequentially from N to Y. This intuitive naming allows for simpler translation and conversion of times during planning phases, and in daily military life.
Military Time Zone Chart with UTC Offset
Time Zone Letter | Military Name | UTC Offset | Military Time @ 12:00PM UTC | Civilian Time @ 12:00PM UTC |
---|---|---|---|---|
© ArmyTimeConverter.com | ||||
A | Alpha | UTC +1 | 1300 | 1:00 PM |
B | Bravo | UTC +2 | 1400 | 2:00 PM |
C | Charlie | UTC +3 | 1500 | 3:00 PM |
D | Delta | UTC +4 | 1600 | 4:00 PM |
E | Echo | UTC +5 | 1700 | 5:00 PM |
F | Foxtrot | UTC +6 | 1800 | 6:00 PM |
G | Golf | UTC +7 | 1900 | 7:00 PM |
H | Hotel | UTC +8 | 2000 | 8:00 PM |
I | India | UTC +9 | 2100 | 9:00 PM |
K | Kilo | UTC +10 | 2200 | 10:00 PM |
L | Lima | UTC +11 | 2300 | 11:00 PM |
M | Mike | UTC +12 | 0000 | 12:00 AM |
N | November | UTC -1 | 1100 | 11:00 AM |
O | Oscar | UTC -2 | 1000 | 10:00 AM |
P | Papa | UTC -3 | 0900 | 9:00 AM |
Q | Quebec | UTC -4 | 0800 | 8:00 AM |
R | Romeo | UTC -5 | 0700 | 7:00 AM |
S | Sierra | UTC -6 | 0600 | 6:00 AM |
T | Tango | UTC -7 | 0500 | 5:00 AM |
U | Uniform | UTC -8 | 0400 | 4:00 AM |
V | Victor | UTC -9 | 0300 | 3:00 AM |
W | Whiskey | UTC -10 | 0200 | 2:00 AM |
X | X-ray | UTC -11 | 0100 | 1:00 AM |
Y | Yankee | UTC -12 | 0000 | 12:00 AM |
Z | Zulu | UTC +0 | 1200 | 12:00 PM |
Download Printable Charts in Excel or PDF
Download these charts to convert military time zones to standard time zones.
While it is easy for civilian companies to manage the three or four major contintental US time zones straight, remember the Military operates all over the world. Time zone naming is not standardized in foreign countries. Each one has its own unique way of referring to their time zone. Units in different parts of the world can name their time zone one way, while a unit in another calls the same one something different.
The armed forces conduct missions across multiple time zones, in various countries with different languages. Using time zone letters leaves the smallest margin of error and simplifies the communication of time no matter where the military operates, or where the mission is taking place.
Using letters to name time zones make it easier to encrypt and decode plans. The system of military letter time zones also removes the possibility of confusing common names for one time zone with another.
So, naming time zones by letter makes the military more efficient, effective and safe. Learn more about civilian time zone naming here
Military Time Zone Letters and Corresponding GMT Times
The military names time zones in a simple, efficient way. The zero meridian time zone, also called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT and Universal Time or UTC, is given the letter 'Z' or Zulu, taking the army call sign for Z. This is the Zulu time you hear in movies and shows. The Z stands for the military's time zone, also relates to the zero meridian, and zero hour offset for the time zone. It is neither behind or ahead universal time.
Military time zones are then designated letters sequentially in each direction moving east or west from 'Z'. Each one corresponds to the number of hours ahead or behind UTC.
Going West from GMT, time zones are numbered A to M. East of GMT, military time zones are lettered N through Y.
The first time zone west of UTC or GMT, is one hour ahead, and has letter A or Alpha. Time Zone A, just east of Z includes countries like Paris, Germany, Oslo and countries like Algeria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
The time zone west is letter B, 'Bravo' and it includes countries like Finland, Egypt and Libya. Russia is in 11 time zones for instance, its most westerly coast adjacent to the US is in the last time zone that is ahead of GMT, or GMT +12.
The first time zone east of UTC is UTC -1 or GMT -1 (one hour behind), and that is letter N. This includes the Azores and Cape Verde in Africa. The last time zone west of GMT is letter Y or Yankee (military call sign), the international date line. The line that delineates date changes. It is also GMT +12.
Countries in military time zone Y include Fiji and Kirbati.
How the Military Names Time Zones and Corresponding GMT Times
What do the military time zone letters mean? The military names time zones in a simple, efficient way. The zero meridian time zone, also called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT and Universal Time or UTC, is given the letter 'Z' or Zulu, taking the army call sign for Z. This is the Zulu time you hear in movies and shows. The Z stands for the military's time zone, also relates to the zero meridian, and zero hour offset for the time zone. It is neither behind or ahead universal time.
Military time zones are then designated letters sequentially in each direction moving east or west from 'Z'. Each one corresponds to the number of hours ahead or behind UTC.
Going West from GMT, time zones are numbered A to M. East of GMT, military time zones are lettered N through Y.
The first time zone west of UTC or GMT, is one hour ahead, and has letter A or Alpha. Time Zone A, just east of Z includes countries like Paris, Germany, Oslo and countries like Algeria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
1500 Zulu Time Now
The time zone west is letter B, 'Bravo' and it includes countries like Finland, Egypt and Libya. Russia is in 11 time zones for instance, its most westerly coast adjacent to the US is in the last time zone that is ahead of GMT, or GMT +12.
The first time zone east of UTC is UTC -1 or GMT -1 (one hour behind), and that is letter N. This includes the Azores and Cape Verde in Africa. The last time zone west of GMT is letter Y or Yankee (military call sign), the international date line. The line that delineates date changes. It is also GMT +12.
Countries in military time zone Y include Fiji and Kirbati.
US, Canada, Mexico Time ZonesAtlantic Daylight Time (ADT) • Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) • Central Daylight Time (CDT) • Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) • Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) • Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) • Hawaii Time • Arizona • Saskatoon • New York • Toronto • Mexico City • San Francisco • Chicago • Houston • Miami • Phoenix • Halifax • Denver • Monterrey • Chihuahua
Europe Time Zones
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) • British Summer Time (BST) • Western European Summer Time (WEST) • Central European Summer Time (CEST) • Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) • London • Paris • Berlin • Athens • Warsaw • Kiev • Belarus • Moscow • Madrid • Stockholm • Amsterdam • Istanbul
Australia, New Zealand Time Zones
Zulu Time Chart
AEST • ACST • AWST •New Zealand Time (NZT) • Queensland • Adelaide • Brisbane • Canberra • Melbourne • Perth • Sydney • Auckland • Fiji • Solomon Islands • Papua New Guinea
Asia Time Zones
India • Pakistan • China • UAE • Japan • Korea • Philippines • Thailand • Hong Kong • Taiwan • Malaysia • Singapore • Jakarta • Bangladesh • Sri Lanka • Nepal • Kuwait • Saudi Arabia • Viet Nam • Oman • Israel • Jordan • Beijing • Bangalore • Kuala Lumpur • Manila • Tokyo • Seoul • Karachi • Dubai
Africa Time Zones
West Africa Time (WAT) • Central Africa Time (CAT) • East Africa Time (EAT) • Egypt • Nigeria • Kenya • Ghana • Morocco • Tanzania • Ethiopia • Uganda • South Africa • Cairo • Algiers • Casablanca • Accra • Lagos • Cape Town • Nairobi
South America Time Zones
1200 Zulu
Brazil • Argentina • Chile • Peru • Ecuador • Colombia • Venezuela • Panama • Puerto Rico • São Paulo • Manaus • Rio de Janeiro • Buenos Aires • Santiago • Lima • Quito • Bogota • Caracas
Russia Time Zones
Moscow • Novosibirsk • Yekaterinburg • Omsk • St Petersburg • Kazan • Irkutsk • Chita • Vladivostok • Sochi • Almaty • Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan