title: How to convert strings like "19-FEB-12" to epoch date in UNIX
body: <p>In UNIX how to convert to epoch milliseconds date strings like:</p>
  
  <pre><code>19-FEB-12
  16-FEB-12
  05-AUG-09
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I need this to compare these dates with the current time on the server.</p>