Elford claims his only contribution to the book is in the capacity of an editor, changing the names of soldiers and military verbiage. Critics however, point to the fact that much of the military power possessed by the characters is anachronistic. The access to military records should also allow for the exact tracing of units in which Wagemueller and his comrades served, but the name of Wagemueller's unit in eastern Europe, the 21st Special Partisanjaeger Commando, is mentioned in only "Devil's Guard". Supporters point to the fact that Elford is following Wagemueller's request that his details not be made traceable.