current-date

# Current Date

Get the current UTC date and time to ensure correct temporal context for all operations.

## CRITICAL EXECUTION REQUIREMENT

**This skill requires COMMAND EXECUTION, not assumption-based answers.**

When this skill loads, you MUST:

1. **EXECUTE** the bash command shown in Quick Start section below
2. **REPORT** the actual command output (not an assumed date)
3. **NEVER** state a date from memory or assumptions
4. **NEVER** skip execution thinking "I know the date"

**Why this matters:** This skill exists precisely because date assumptions are unreliable. Model training cutoffs, context issues, and stale information mean assumptions about "today" are frequently wrong. The ONLY reliable source is executing the date command and reporting actual output.

## Overview

This skill provides a simple, reliable way to verify the current date and time. It addresses situations where Claude Code or subagents may have incorrect assumptions about the current date due to model training cutoffs.

**Why a dedicated skill?**

- Date/time assumptions are unreliable due to model training cutoffs
- This skill enforces execution-based verification instead of guessing
- Essential for time-sensitive operations (deadlines, versioning, temporal ordering)

**What this skill does NOT do:**

- Time zone conversions
- Time arithmetic or duration calculations
- Date parsing or validation

## When to Use This Skill

**IMPORTANT**: This is an execution-only skill. Always run the command; never state dates from memory.

Use this skill when:

- Starting a new task or conversation
- Working on time-sensitive operations (deadlines, schedules, versioning)
- Verifying temporal context before making date-based decisions
- Correcting date misunderstandings during a conversation
- Needed by subagents to establish correct date context
- Creating timestamps or version numbers
- Writing documentation with "Last Verified" dates

## Quick Start

**Get current UTC date and time:**

```bash
date -u