Military Observers Watch Army Manouvres Largest Exercise since the War.Military observers from the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty and other countries watched the recent Army exercise 'Suriprise Packet', the largest exercise since the war which took place over Southern England.Over 50,000 troops and 12,000 vehicles were involved the maneuvers which embraced eight counties of Southern England. Infantry, artillery and armored units took part in the exercise, in which mock minefield were laid, gas attacks simulated and river crossings made. November 08, 1951.