[USMC Chuter]

Top's right on it. The last hour (give or take, usually take) is Senior DI's time. That's your time to take care of the three s's, write home, read mail, and square away your stuff for the next day. I've heard of recruits nowadays getting more than that one call home when you first arrive, but I wouldn't count on it. The only exceptions I've heard of are in emergencies or if your Senior DI rewards the platoon with a short call for being the highest scoring platoon at the range, etc.. Best case scenario is two or three calls in boot camp. Count on one.

Yes, you get paid in boot camp. Let me rephrase that.. You accrue pay in boot camp. You'll receive chits (coupons) to buy the authorized basics, under supervision, at the recruit PX. That means toothpaste, shaving cream, stationary, etc. When you graduate you'll receive what you're owed, minus the money they took out for your uniform issue and taxes.

At your MOS school you will receive regular pay per your rank and will be allowed to call home during your liberty hours. SOI lasts about 8 weeks unless you get stuck waiting for a class to start. In that case you may end up on mess duty or guard duty, etc, while waiting. It all depends.