We were encouraged to read it by the Defence Studies lecturer we had at Cranwell at the time - a USAF Major ex 135 tankers. I've re- read it a couple of times in the last 30 years or so. What I found impressive was the way Clancy managed to detail such a large theatre so well.
I had been told that Clancy was questioned by elements of the USG after it was published, as it played so similarly to their war game scenarios - but that may just be urban legend.