Is '200 personnel' correctly used?

[Tan Elaine]

A search and rescue team numbering 200 personnel from military and police was combing the area near Mount Salek, where the jet was last seen.

Is 'personnel' the correct word for the above sentence?

Thanks.

 

[konungursvia]

Yes, it's correct. It means staff, rather than just people who came along.

 

[BobSmith]

A search and rescue team numbering 200 personnel from military and police was combing the area near Mount Salek, where the jet was last seen.

Wouldn't a BrE speaker say were in this instance?

 

[bhaisahab]

Wouldn't a BrE speaker say were in this instance?

Not necessarily, we might use either one.

 

[Rover_KE]

It sounded right the first time I read it, as I unconsciously retained 'team' in my head as the subject of the verb - 'was combing'.

Rover