Egypt's military seeks to institutionalize its independent status and privilege. In effect, the generals are moving to explicitly specify that the military is not subordinate to civilian authority.

As I noted here months ago, the generals were unlikely to accept any reforms that abridge their privileges or subordinate the military to civilian control.  The toppling of Husni Mubarak was an incredible feat, but the military's influence on Egyptian politics remains a constant.  The difference is that much of its influence was exercised behind the curtains in the past, but now the military's controlling hand is more visible.  This may represent progress on the path of reform, but it is well short of the revolution that young Egyptians hope to achieve.