he was holding 5 lanyards, but there were only 4 recruits...

All three times the ID cards appeared, there were four. (I checked back and counted to make sure.)

I know there were 4 cards, but 5 lanyard ropes. I should have clarified

I really can't see what you're talking about. (⌒▽⌒) I'm still counting four. There are four metal pieces for four ID cards and eight "sides" of the lanyards, which makes up four loops.