Model soldier like millions (8)

I believe the answer is:

paradigm

'model' is the definition.
(paradigm is a kind of model)

'soldier like millions' is the wordplay.
'soldier' becomes 'para' (para is a kind of soldier).
'like' becomes 'dig' (I've seen this in other clues).
'millions' becomes 'm' (abbreviation).
'para'+'dig'+'m'='PARADIGM'

(Other definitions for paradigm that I've seen before include "Pattern - exemplar" , "Standard example" , "Pattern -conceptual framework" , "Model or example for rapid agm" , "Prototype" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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