1. Where are new FOs getting at day 1 of training as far as base/equipment?

Lately, your choice of 175 DFW/ORD.

2. How long will I be on reserve?

1 month to 12+ months depending on fleet/base.

3. I'd hope for a DFW or ORD base assignment. I could commute non-stop from COU to either base. Anybody doing that?

idk

4. What is it like being a new FO fresh out of IOE and on reserve as a commuter?

Not super fun. Easier in NY actually because free hotels, but still not super fun. A lot of people lose days off on both ends of their reserve day blocks to commuting because of the way it often works (4AM show day one, 11:59PM release on day 5 etc.) But this depends on the flight schedule from home to your base and other variables of course.