General Mark Welsh , who ended his 40-year military career this summer as the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, has joined the board of one of America’s largest defense contractors, Northrop Grumman. Of course, this is the same company that was selected to build America’s next stealth bomber —a contract that could be worth upwards of $100 billion, and one that was awarded under Welsh’s purview. The contract was seen as absolutely critical to the survival of Northrop Grumman as a prime combat aircraft manufacturer.

Originally, it seemed as if Welsh was going to take the high road, accepting the position of dean at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service months before his official retirement from the USAF. Now, less than six months into that job, it appears that the general has decided to expand his professional career, and his income. It is not clear if Welsh will continue with his position as dean while he sits on Northrop Grumman’s board.

Northrop Grumman’s CEO Wes Bush stated the following regarding Welsh’s new gig:

"We are delighted that Mark Welsh has joined our board of directors. His extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of global security are a great fit to our board, and we are excited about the contributions he will make as Northrop Grumman employees around the globe work to create value for our customers and shareholders."

Northrop Grumman is not alone when it comes to slotting recently retired top commanders on their boards. All the other big defense contractors do it, too. And that is just a small sample of what happens on a program and department level far below a corporation’s board-level hierarchy.

Taking a job that likely pays very well and has lucrative stock options right after you were in a position to greatly benefit the same company hiring you doesn’t mean your are crooked—but the fact that this type of thing is allowed only invites mass corruption and sows skepticism as to the Pentagon’s ability to make the right procurement decisions for America’s armed forces. Don’t hate the player, hate the game, as they say.