“I concur it seems unlikely an Army CSM would have difficulty managing even 500SW, certainly not 50AE, from a serviceable firearm”
Why? Because they occasionally qualify on a heavy framed 9mm? Hell anyone can do that.
More because you don't typically achieve that rank if you're careless or ignorant. Safe bet the guy has run a firing/qualification range once or twice, so basic gun handling competency, if not proficiency, is assumed.