Air Force puts Brick Memorial JROTC on probation after instructor funding cut

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Air Force has placed Brick Memorial High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program on probation after the district failed to fund a second certified instructor, a move that could lead to the program’s termination by the end of the school year.

In a letter dated January 6, 2026, Colonel Matthew E. Tipton, Director of Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, notified Brick Township Superintendent Dr. Thomas Farrell that the Brick Memorial AFJROTC program was being placed on probation through March 31.

The letter cites the district’s failure to maintain two certified instructors, as required under its agreement with the U.S. Air Force.

Colonel Tipton warned that if the district does not provide written assurance of funding to hire and retain two instructors by the end of the probation period, the Air Force intends to permanently deactivate the NJ-822 unit effective May 29. The decision, he said, would be made to maintain compliance with mandatory program standards across the country.

Parents and community members have voiced strong opposition to the funding lapse. Among them is Brick resident Megan Nixon, the mother of a cadet in the program, who said she was “devastated” to learn the district had not fulfilled its financial commitment. “Our cadets have learned so much, including self-reliance, self-esteem, and leadership through this program,” Nixon said, emphasizing that the Air Force covers half of the instructors’ salaries while local taxpayers fund the rest.

The AFJROTC program, designated NJ-822, has operated for years at Brick Memorial High School, offering students leadership training, academic enrichment, and insight into military service. Its probation status now puts the future of one of Ocean County’s longest-running cadet programs at risk unless the school board can restore funding in time.

Key points:
• The Air Force placed Brick Memorial High School’s AFJROTC unit on probation on January 6.
• The district failed to fund a second required instructor, violating its agreement with the Air Force.
• The program could be deactivated May 29 if funding is not secured by March 31.

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