FRED

Symbols play an irreplaceable role in the military. They build identity, preserve traditions, and strengthen a sense of belonging. To the existing symbols of the 14th Logistic Support Regiment — battle flag, ribbon, motto, and commemorative coin — a new, exceptional addition was introduced in 2023: the commemorative knife FRED, which perfectly combines a historical legacy with modern tradition.

The idea of creating a unique knife came in 2023 from the regiment's senior warrant officer SWO Josef Šerý, together with the chaplain of the Chrudim paratroopers Capt. Milan Novotný. Their goal was clear: to create a symbol that would unite the soldiers.

Each knife is unique in its own way — hand-made, with its own serial number and certificate. It is based on the traditional VO-7 knife, the first standard-issue knife of the Czechoslovak Army from the early 1950s. The knife proudly bears the name of Colonel Alfréd Bartoš in memoriam — patron of the regiment and legendary commander of the Silver A paratroop group. The name FRED comes from the nickname given to Bartoš by his closest friends.

This powerful motto is engraved directly on the blade of the knife. It perfectly characterizes the members of the 14th Logistic Support Regiment and expresses their primary mission — to ensure sustainability, supply and 100% combat readiness of the manoeuvre units in any situation.

FRED is not an ordinary souvenir for sale. It is a prestigious item with clearly defined rules:

• Loyalty requirement: the knife can only be acquired by a soldier who has served with the 14th Logistic Support Regiment for at least five years.
• Personalisation: the numerical marking on the knife is firmly tied to the initials of a specific soldier. Every piece has its own unique owner.
• Honest craftsmanship: behind the precise work stands knife maker Kamil Prchal, who took inspiration from the VO-7 knife.

The photographs above show a comparison with the VO-7 knife. As you can see, FRED is no lightweight — it is the VO-7 on steroids.