In the military, “mikes” is a colloquial term used to refer to minutes. It is part of a system of phonetic alphabet and timekeeping used to ensure clear communication, especially in situations where precision is vital. For example, if someone says “We will meet in ten mikes,” it means they will meet in ten minutes.
The term is derived from the phonetic alphabet where the letter “M” is represented by the word “Mike.” This usage helps to avoid confusion in verbal communication, particularly in noisy environments or situations where clarity is crucial.