The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PRIVATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
R
I
V
A
T
E
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Soldiers/parts generally hidden from public view" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case soldiers/parts generally hidden from public view = privates.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PRIVATES mean?
PRIVATES noun- A soldier of the lowest rank in the army.
- A doctor working in privately rather than publicly funded health care.
- (in the plural) The genitals.
- A secret message; a personal unofficial communication.
- Personal interest; particular business.
- Privacy; retirement.
- One not invested with a public office.
- (usually in the plural) A private lesson.
- The genitalia; those body parts that are not normally displayed, private parts