"The fascination of some people with the intensely personal and private is indicative of our loss of manners and respect for others."
Absolutely. I don't know why the 'answer' is being debated here...the issue is the kid's sense of self entitlement and lack of regard for others feelings. It didn't bother the kid that the soldier might be embarassed. Didn't even cross his mind. And if it did...it certainly didn't matter to the kid. The world revolves around "me" and what "I" want, in today's youth.
"Boxers or briefs?" would have been bad enough. His question was totally out of line.
The answer to "Were you mistreated?" or "Were you treated decently as a prisoner of war?" would have given the student all he needed to know.