Professionally, the old soldier is untouchable, as the required institutional will to punish such a one is largely deflected by those who find punishment of bureaucrats on their way out destestable, knowing full well they themselves will probably be in a similar spot X years down the road. They may well look forward to a separation bonus or cushy job after they're gone. Conspiracy here can run amok as the institutional cogs sense the ability to keep any individual from being held accountable.
Conversion of this set of circumstances to do someone a favor that might not otherwise get done because of its institutional difficulty or likelihood of casting a negative shadow across one's career all of a sudden "gets done." "Why not?," such an old soldier thinks to himself. Perhaps he's gotten a wink and a nod from someone whose cooperation would be needed to instigate possible repercussions onto the old soldier. Political favors, favors to old friends, cushy job with possible big fiancial incentive on the outside all lie in wait. Why not get more than some steenkin' gold watch? The old soldier won't be around to clean up any messes.
HF
RIGHT