I remember clancey telling us about smart bombs and painting targets, then gulf 1 happened and we saw it in action and many other "secrets" that came to life.
Being on the other side of the security wall I was amazed at what Clancy put in his stories. I figured he had someone tipping him off with hints. But yes, it is amazing to see the secrets become real. For example, would the government really end the SST (Blackbird) program if they did not already have something better?