Will I be able to text my friends and family at some point during boot camp?

Marine Corps Boot camp? If so if they let you text or call on your cell phone. The Marine Corps would be letting me down. Pen and paper, envelopes and stamps, maybe two phone calls.
If you have family that is sick be sure your family knows how to get a hold of the Red Cross they cam help you go home in an emergency. Make sure it's a real emergency because you MAY have to start over in boot camp. GOOD LUCK.

Just let the DI know you really need to keep in touch and check your snap chat as often as possible, ask as soon as you get there so there is no confusion about what your priorities are....

OK, seriously though. You will not have it, Writing letters home will be your only communication. Honestly though, you don't need to distraction. Time will fly by and before you know it you will be done with training and able to have freedoms back. Best of luck to you!!

No.

Graduated BCT in Feb of this year at Ft. Jackson. Max out your PT test or shoot expert and you will get several minutes to call home. Otherwise the only time you will be able to make a call home is when you finish FTX's

Thomas OReilly Talk to a recruiter for the latest information. Do not take a pillow to Boot Camp, as this is not a sleep over. Get used to writing because you will not be doing much typing. Your entire focus in Boot Camp will be on becoming a Marine. Listen closely, be observant, and do what the Drill Instructors tell you to do. Never quit. Expect a culture shock, so be mentally prepared to handle the change. As mentioned by GySgt (Join to see), do your research about the Marine Corps.

Access to your personal phone will be dictated by your BT unit. This privileges can be taken away at anytime once given. The thing to tell your Family is that there will be time for calls etc. non news is good news in-between. The unit has your emergency contact number and will call if something should happen to warrant it. Having your phone and texting will distract you, whether it be during the day or at night. You will be lonely and sad, angry and mad, frustrated, kissed off, happy and sad, you will even be proud. That is all part of the developmental process. Get ready for it.

It all depends on your company’s cadre. When I went through basic training at Fort Benning, my company was allowed cell phone privileges whenever we would phase over to the next training phase, whenever a platoon won a streamer, or whenever we were allowed passes. It’s completely dependent on the cadre.

Sounds to me like you are on the fence about the whole thing. First, get your mind right and make sure that this is what you want before you commit. The military life can be very rewarding but it can also be very emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting. Thats a nice way of saying that sometimes it SUCKS REALLY BAD. (key word there is "sometimes") That being said, about your boot, basic, etc. Bring a bunch of supplies to write letters because that is going to be your go to when it comes to communicating with your friends and family back home. Every company is different and the Drill Sergeants (I dont know about the marine DIs) have a lot of leverage on how they want to train the recruits. For example, my platoon in OSUT won a competition and we got our phones for 5 minutes. It was only enough time for me to call my girlfriend at the time three times because she NEVER ANSWERS THE PHONE! So it wasn't really worth it. That might happen with you, it might not, you might get some really cool DIs, or you might not. Either way, its not that long of a time and once you make it through you can rot your eyes out of your head like the rest of us and be thankful that smartphones have REVOLUTIONIZED the term "stand by"

Thomas, A lot of people ask questions - because they haven't served and don't know anyone who has. Things have changed, they always do. There may be some free time here and there - but there will not be a phone available for you to call your loved ones except for specific, rationed time where the unit might let you have a moment. But I don't think you will be allowed to have your phone in basic training. You can write letters. Taking your own pillow - that is a new one, the Army will issue you a pillow and sheets and blankets. you will get the clothes you will have to wear - anything civilian will be put away until you are through with basic and in some cases, through AIT. The Army will be in control. I am sorry your family has been sick, prayers for their speedy recovery. Last bit of advice: Don't be the guy who needs to call home - get used to being a soldier. Sometimes your contact with family is VERY limited.

Just prepare to not. I mean, the Air Force doesn’t allow it. We get 3 phone calls. Otherwise, it’s just letters. And don’t bring your own pillow. You can’t use that either.