But why?
Remember, Obama is in START negotiations, and maybe Obama suggested that our military have a look at what their equipment can do.
Obama wants us to remove a strategic capability to respond overwhelmingly aganst an Iran nuclear strike on Israel.He wants to remove that capability from China the Soviets, not just the USA. Thats what his START negotiations are ALL about, IMHO.
There also likely was a launch off our east coast with a splash into the Pacific. The West coast launch likely splashed into the Atlantic.
If nothng else, we now have an accurate profile of their missile, and its associated telemetry ( nav hardware capability given to the Chinese by Clinton).
Thats my best guess.