If he was the bullying type,which I very much doubt,he was a bully because he had rank,and could do bad stuff to you.
All that changes when you retire.
Another Serviceman thrown in front of the train to save C.b.S's sorry ass.
If he was a bully, his retirement would have occasioned great rejoicing among the formerly bullied, who would then take great joy in showiong him how much power he no longer had.