I think it has been tampered with though, in comparison to last seasons tc.
Laser rifle and lsw might count now and it seems that armors (mamk2 or ca) have to be in at least a half decent condition (25% or 33% might be possible thresholds)
We had some instances in redding and modoc where we should have been able to start the timer according to last seasons rules, but we still needed more people so better make sure you have 6 people who definitely count.