Meet Susan Coyle: The first woman to lead Australia’s army in 125 years

Australia has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the first woman to lead its army, marking a historic moment in the country’s 125-year military history. The announcement was made on Monday, April 13, as part of a wider reshuffle of the Australian Defence Force leadership, according to Reuters.

Coyle, who currently serves as chief of joint capabilities, will take over as chief of army in July. She will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the government said in a statement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the appointment marks the first time a woman will lead the Australian Army.

Defence Minister Richard Marles described the move as a “deeply historic moment,” Reuters reported. He also highlighted its wider impact, saying Coyle’s rise would be significant for women currently serving in the military as well as those considering a career in the armed forces. Quoting Coyle, Marles added that “you cannot be what you cannot see.”
At 55, Coyle brings decades of experience to the role. She enlisted in the military in 1987 and has held a range of senior command positions over the years. Her appointment also makes her the first woman to head any service branch within Australia’s military.

The development comes at a time when the Australian Defence Force is working to improve gender diversity within its ranks. According to Reuters, women currently make up around 21% of the force and 18.5% of senior leadership roles. The ADF has set a target to increase overall female participation to 25% by 2030.

The leadership change also comes against the backdrop of serious allegations within the military. Reuters noted that a class action lawsuit filed last year accused the ADF of failing to protect thousands of female personnel from sexual harassment, assault and discrimination.

As part of the broader reshuffle, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been appointed as the new head of the Australian Defence Force, succeeding David Johnston. Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will replace Hammond as chief of the Navy.