The battle consisted of three main phases:
- Phase 1: 11.15-13.25
- Custer divides command into three:
- Reno to make surprise frontal attack
- Custer to move round the village and attack from rear
- Benteen to move west for better view and stop Indians escaping
- Advance Pack Train (with ammunition) and main Pack Train (with supplies) to follow on behind Reno/Custer
- Phase 2: 13.25-15.20
- Reno aborts attack and seeks high ground to survive
- Custer continues around the village looking for point of attack
- Phase 3: 15.25-15.45
- Benteen arrives. Reno/Benteen try to locate Custer but forced back
- Custer's command eventually wiped out
The times given elsewhere may vary depending on which time zone's clock is chosen.