THE Army is appealing for 'co operation and understanding' from West Devon residents this week when it embarks on what servicemen claim to be the most significant military exercise of the year, involving more than 3,000 military personel and 1,500 vehicles. Organisers of Exercise Eagle Strike are warning civillians there will be a large amount of military, helicopter and vehicle movement from May 16 to 26 and low flying aircraft throughout this weekend. Commander of 16 Air Assault, Brigadeer Ed Butler said the exercise would only cause ?minor disruption and inconvenience? to people in the Dartmoor area. Eagle Strike has apparently been engineered to put 16 Air Assault?s Apache helicopter pilots through their paces. Brig Butler said: ?The exercise is a significant milestone in the development of the air manoeuvre capability within the British Army and will confirm that the first attack helicopter regiment is ready for operations.? Members of the public who are concerned about the low flying aircraft are asked to contact Sq Ldr Ian Thompson on 07764 253 834. Sgt Richy McDonald is dealng with all other general enquiries on 07771 835 061.