Former Soviet officers argued that Clancy made their bombers weaker, their fighters shorter-ranged, and Western technology too effective. Americans objected from the other direction, saying their forces would have recognized the deception and seen the war coming. Both groups believed their own side was more capable and the opponent less dangerous than the book allowed. Taken together, those complaints support the judgment that Clancy and his advisers placed the balance roughly right for the scenario.
Notable Point · 18:14-19:33
Criticism from both sides suggests a balanced Cold War scenario
Former Soviet officers and Americans object in opposite directions to the novel's capability judgments, suggesting that its Cold War balance may lie near a useful middle ground.