For just a moment — a moment — I saw the headline Air Force Halts Cyber Command Program and thought: great news! Some of you may have noticed the air force’s recent power grab, declaring that cyberspace is thier’s to protect:

Back in November of 2006 the 8th Air Force became the new “Air Force Cyberspace Command.” According to Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne, the aim of the Air Force Cyberspace Command is to:

…develop a major command that stands alongside Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command as the provider of forces that the President, combatant commanders and the American people can rely on for preserving the freedom of access and commerce, in air, space and now cyberspace.

As I argue in a paper I’m currently writing, the creation of Cyber Command clearly conveys a state desire to control cyberspace, and as cyberspace expeditiously assimilates into everyday life, such desires deserve a critical look regarding their effects on the privacy and autonomy of young people — the most wired segments of our population.

So, I thought: Great news, the Cyber Command has been put on hold! Of course, the only reason the Cyber Command has been put on hold is because the military (and, specifically the navy) feels they should be playing a role in “protecting” cyberspace as well. Not so great…

According to arts technica:

NextGov says that the high visibility of AFCYBER, which was achieved through video advertisements, attracted the attention of high-ranking military brass who want the Navy to take a more prominent role in the effort. The government has repeatedly touted AFCYBER as an important strategic investment in future cyber warfare, so it seems unlikely that they intend to completely walk away from the concept.