FRED Field Ration Eating Device by COMMANDO

In the Australian Army, FRED stands for the Field Ration Eating Device. It is a compact, multi-purpose tool that has been a staple of Australian combat ration packs for decades. 

The FRED is a single piece of hardened steel designed to perform three primary functions: 

• Can Opener: A folding blade used to puncture and cut open tinned rations.
• Bottle Opener: A notched section used for prying off bottle caps.
• Spoon: A small, shallow end intended for eating. 

Soldiers have also famously adapted it for improvised tasks, such as a flat-head screwdriver or a tool for scraping carbon off weapons.

Infamous Nickname: While "Field Ration Eating Device" is the official name, generations of Australian soldiers have jokingly referred to it as the "Fing Ridiculous Eating Device". This is due to its tiny spoon being largely ineffective for eating large meals and its tendency to be somewhat awkward to use.