What is one event that signals a head count in a patrol?

One event that signals a head count in a patrol is after an enemy contact. Conducting a head count following enemy contact is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the patrol. This event allows leaders to account for all personnel, assess any injuries, and gauge the impact of the engagement. It serves as a crucial moment to ascertain if anyone is missing or needs immediate medical attention and helps maintain situational awareness in a potentially dangerous environment.

While head counts can occur during other significant events, such as setting up a camp or after reaching the final destination, the urgency of ensuring that all members are accounted for immediately after an enemy contact is particularly vital. Such a scenario often demands quick action and precise information about the patrol's overall composition to plan the next steps safely and effectively.