Journey north with soldier as model (7)
I believe the answer is:
paragon
'model' is the definition.
(a paragon is a model example of something)
'journey north with soldier' is the wordplay.
'journey' becomes 'go' (journey means to go or travel).
'north' becomes 'N' (abbreviation).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'soldier' becomes 'para' (paratrooper).
'go'+'n'='gon'
'gon' put after 'para' is 'PARAGON'.
'as' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for paragon that I've seen before include "Model of conduct" , "Flawless model" , "Model of excellence or perfection" , "Perfect diamond" , "Exemplar" .)