Crossword Genius

Lacking uniformity, like a member of an unconventional military force, say (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irregular

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'member of an unconventional military force say' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'lacking uniformity like a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'like' could be 'eg' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'eg' is found within the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for irregular that I've seen before include "Against the rules" , "Unpunctual" , "Lacking continuity or contrary to the rule" , "volunteer" , "Haphazard" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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