I don’t consider Rand Paul as representing the TP. His libertarian leanings not withstanding, he also has too many leanings toward “mushy conmpassionism” to represent the TP.
Methinks he fashions himself a modern-day “Hawkeye Pierce” given his medical service in the military; and we all know what category Pierce / Alan Alda fits into.
Rand hasn’t served in the military to the best of my knowledge. Perhaps your confusing parts of his past with his father.