Now for a lesson from my past!!!!
Many here have never participated in Required Service, and more recently Volunteer Service in our U. S. Navy. I can not speak for the Navy Personnel from other countries, but I know for a fact that when I attended U. S. Navy Boot Camp many years ago, that my Company Commander told us why the Boxers were appropriate.
It seems that when a Sailor is on a Ship at sea that they must be ready, and also realize that a Shipboard Fire can cause a lot of damage. This damage is not only to the ship, but to the Sailors who serve,
Were told that white skivies, the T-Shirt and Boxer Shorts would cover most of the vital organs of our bodies. This was considered important, because if a fire should ever burn your clothes, the white undergear could help with the chances of being a survivor. This sounds reasonable. Maybe that is why they also told us about the White (Dixie Cup) hat that enlisted sailors wear. They could be turned inside out and used as a life preserver as we swam away from a sinking ship. Also, a white hat may just help protect the Sailors largest Sex organ, the Brain.
I have always appreciated the concern for the vital organs that the U. S. Navy displayed while I was in boot camp.
I hope this helps answer the concerns of those who think that this issue is one of "political correctness." The reason for boxers for firefighters may just be a valid concern for the vital organs of the firefighters.
As most who have ever served in the Navy, any Navy, the mantra has always been: "Make Love, Not War."
But if you must make War, do it from a large ship where the projectiles can be lobbed ashore while you and your shipmates can still enjoy three square meals each day, a shower and a warm place to sleep. That is valid, until the enemy bombs your ship, but that does not happen very often.
Sounds like I have just completed a recruitment message for the Navy.
Call it what you may.
Thank You.