It might just be called PRACTICE.
When I was instructing, Short Field Takeoff over a 50' obstacle was required to be demonstrated for both private and commercial certification.
Do you know for a fact that the Patrol craft wasn't in use for a check ride in the military sense? Perhaps they were to reposition to a difficult airfield soon.
In the Piper Turbo Arrow 3, if you really fly it like the book says, that thing will JUMP into the air and clear the imaginary obstacle like nobody's business.
But you are right on the edge. But then, that's what professional pilots just might have to do.
I am not encouraging showing off, but proficiency , well practiced, is part of the profession.
Let me know when you have taken off in a jet from KSNA. And you have to do it that way...hmmmm.