A member of Bermudians Against the Draft (BAD) has decided to complete his military service — and has been kicked out of the campaign group as a result.

Father-of-one Shannon Adderley, 28, told The Royal Gazette he risked losing his job as a customs officer if he did not show up for duty with the Bermuda Regiment after the failure of BAD's legal bid to get conscription outlawed.

He was arrested while at work at L. F. Wade International Airport on June 9 and spent a night in the cells after defying orders to turn up to Warwick Camp.

"I have a son," he said yesterday. "I could lose my job if I don't comply. Of course, I'm still against conscription."

Yesterday, Mr. Adderley had his 18-inch long ponytail cut off at Blades barber shop in Washington Mall in preparation for attending Warwick Camp on Sunday.

He is donating the hair to Locks of Love — a charity which makes hairpieces for children in the US and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

"I figured if it was going to be cut off anyway, I might as well go and get it done and give it to some people."

Mr. Adderley, of Sandys, and 13 other members of BAD had their military service temporarily deferred while the group pursued their anti-draft campaign through the courts.

But after the Privy Council — Bermuda's highest court of appeal in London — rejected BAD's case, the Regiment ordered Mr. Adderley, Lamont Marshall and Jamel Hardtman to turn up at Warwick Camp by June 3. Other BAD members are due to begin their service in October.

The trio failed to comply and were warned they were subject to arrest. Mr. Adderley was held overnight after his arrest and appeared before the Regiment's commanding officer (CO) the following day, after which he was released.

"They told me to turn up for cadet camp this Sunday," he said, adding that he was not fined.

Mr. Marshall — whose father Larry Marshall Sr. founded BAD — and Mr. Hardtman also spent a night in the cells last month, with the former going on hunger strike during his incarceration.

The pair — who failed to show up to a defence exemption tribunal — were fined $500 each by the CO and told they could face potential court action if they didn't pay within two weeks. Punishment for skipping military service can include jail.

Mr. Marshall Sr., said yesterday of Mr. Adderley: "He's made his decision and we have to accept it. It's unfortunate that the job situation has forced Shannon to return to an institution that he abhors.

"As far as BAD is concerned, he was made aware, once he voluntarily rejoined the Bermuda Regiment, that he could no longer be a part of the group."

He would not comment on whether his son and Mr. Hardtman had paid their fines.

Mr. Adderley, whose son is aged two, said he did not wish to comment on Mr. Marshall Sr.'s decision to make him leave BAD.

Bermuda Regiment spokesman Major George Jones said: "We are pleased to hear that Pte. Adderley intends to fulfil the requirements of his military service and complete his minimum one 15-day camp per year.

"Pte. Adderley is a currently serving soldier, having already begun his military service prior to their unsuccessful legal challenge, such service having been deferred until the conclusion of the case."

Asked if the other two men had paid their fines, he said: "I am afraid that this is an internal matter and I cannot comment further than the Regiment already has."