Australia Appoints Woman to Lead Army for First Time

Australia’s Army to be Led by Woman for First Time in History

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, currently Chief of Joint Capabilities, is set to become Australia’s first female army chief in July. This historic leadership reshuffle was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Coyle will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Her appointment comes amid a push by the military to increase the number of women officers and address allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.

“From July, we will have the first ever female chief of army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Defence Minister Richard Marles described Coyle’s appointment as “deeply historic.”

Coyle, who enlisted in the military in 1987, has held several senior command roles. She will be the first woman to lead any branch of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Currently, women make up about 21% of the ADF and 18.5% of senior leadership roles.

The government also appointed Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as head of the ADF on Monday, succeeding Admiral David Johnston. Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will replace Hammond as head of the branch.