Infiltrate smuggling base after soldiers and I use map and compass (9)
I believe the answer is:
orienteer
'compass' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'infiltrate smuggling base after soldiers and i use map' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'base' could be 'e' (mathematical symbol) and 'e' is found within the answer.
'soldiers' could be 'or' (Other Ranks) and 'or' is found in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is located in the answer.
'i' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'teer' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for orienteer that I've seen before include "Run with aid of map and compass" , "Get my bearings in competition" , "Runner who must find way" , "Cross-country athlete" , "running sport" .)