Cyber command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, Louisiana -- When a reporter enters the Air Force office of William Lord, a smile comes quickly to the two-star general's face as he darts from behind his immaculate desk to shake hands. Then, as an afterthought, he steps back and shuts his laptop as though holstering a sidearm.

The U.S. Air Force began the shift to a major command devoted to cyberwarfare operations Sept. 18 with the creation of a provisional Cyber Command. Though organizational in nature -- the Air Force already deals extensively with cyberwarfare -- the shift nevertheless marks a significant move toward making the military exploitation of cyberspace operational.