Can someone explain the difference between F2 and F3? Qualifications?

2018-09-17T05:46:27-04:00

I leave for boot camp in 2 weeks and then I’ll be headed to Fort Sam for AIT. I’ve come to the conclusion that I would like to be a flight medic. I’m confused on what the difference between the 2 are and if it is a subset of 68W or an entirely different MOS. Also, is it available to National Guard members? I will be going active after AIT so I’m not sure if that would open more doors for me or not. I’ve scoured the internet For hours but I can’t find any in depth information on either one. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 4:43 AM

2018-09-18T04:43:23-04:00

You will only be able to do it if your National Guard unit is a Aviation unit. You have to have slots to fill in order to be that MOS. The difference between F2/F3 is one is a paramedic the other is a standard 68W with flight school. The Army is requiring all flights medics to become F3 so don't sweat that.

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Sep 20 at 2018 3:17 PM

2018-09-20T15:17:08-04:00

I was a 91B, (Combat Medic), and then went to Flight Medic school, which had an additional skill identifier, (ASI), of F3, so I was a 91B20F3. The difference between them? Night and Day. You’ll learn your basic EMT stuff and some practical nursing skills in the 68W course, but to be a real, hard-charging DUSTOFF lifesaver, you’ll need a lot of experience. The good news is that you are in the Guards, so you have the rest of your month off to do what you want. I would recommend going to paramedic school at the local tech college, or maybe even look at the 2 year RN programs, (much better pay than most paramedics, a lot more options for employment, ((critical care, flight nurse, ER, office jobs)).). Also, get on a local EMS service and start pulling call time. It’s a good way to get experience. Check out hospitals for ER, EMS jobs. Maybe an ER Tech or Health Unit Coordinator position. See what your options are for flight in the Guards. I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to get to my unit, but there were guys driving 10 or 12 hours one way. There are more requirements to be on flight status. Your physical exam is more thorough, and you have to perform “additional flight periods” (or AFP’s). I think that we were required to do 2/month. So you have your 4 MUTAs for your 2 day guard weekend, and then you have to coordinate with your pilots/flight ops when you can get your AFP’s in. (They may have been ATFP’s, or AFTP’s, I don’t recall). It was a great time, you earn your wings and it opened a lot of doors for me, including helping me get selected for the IPAP, (Interservice Physician Assistant Program). Best of luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2018 12:30 AM

2018-09-23T00:30:00-04:00

There are multiple aviation units in the Indiana Guard. If you want to be a flight medic in the Indiana National Guard, it is 100% possible. You’re just going to have to work for it. Look into the 638th out of Lafayette.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-09-28T20:18:58-04:00

The Guard is the best way to be a flight medic, I was a flight medic in the California Army Guard and unlike some of the active duty units, Guard units help with state rescue missions, I even hit qualified as a CALFIRE River and flood Eacue Technician! You’ll definitely be flying a lot!!!