There is a another way to better understand the zoom/FOV effect I am seeing:
1. As a soldier with rifle + subordinate in group.
2. Go into 3rd person view.
3. Hold the zoom key (not iron sight/scope) then at the same time press the key to go into commander mode.
4. You will observe that you get a 'zoomed in' 3rd person view
I'm guessing this is a Config related issue in addition to a 'visual' one.