[sauropod]

"A CBS staffer stood by the story, suggesting that Staudt could have continued to exert influence over Guard officials. But a former high-ranking Guard official disputed that, saying retirement would have left Staudt powerless over remaining officials."

This happens quite quickly in the military (both green suiter and civilian). A week or two is all it takes for all the power somebody used to have to be rendered impotent after "retirement".

I've seen it happen firsthand.

[SLB]

A week or two is all it takes for all the power somebody used to have to be rendered impotent after "retirement".

The only exception I have seen to this is the "Gray Beard" General Officers, and even then their influence is only a mentoring of someone, not excerting any influence. Retired military are just that, retired.