The real-life World War II missions on which both films are based featured British commando soldiers. Both pictures examine the work of these British commando units in Norway with both movies also being partially filmed there.
In the Scotland training scene, Mac, the instructor says "..and for those of you who don't know me, you're in for a big f***in' surprise" and "...now let's try for our first heart attack, shall we?". These lines are almost identical to those spoken by RSM Sandy Young (Jack Watson) in 'The Wild Geese' (1978).