The Australian Defence Force has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as Chief of Army, marking the first time a woman will lead the service in its 125-year history.
Coyle, who currently serves as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume the role in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, according to an official government statement.
Her appointment forms part of a broader leadership reshuffle within Australia’s defence structure.
Announcing the development, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as historic.
“From July, we will have the first ever female Chief of Army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history,” Albanese said.
Defence Minister Richard Marles also hailed the appointment as a “deeply historic moment,” noting its potential impact on gender representation in the military.
“As Susan said to me, you cannot be what you cannot see,” Marles stated, adding that the milestone would inspire both serving personnel and future recruits.
Coyle, 55, enlisted in the military in 1987 and has since held several senior command positions. According to the Defence Minister, she will also become the first woman to lead any service branch within the Australian military.
Her elevation comes amid ongoing efforts to increase female representation within the armed forces. Women currently make up about 21 per cent of the ADF and 18.5 per cent of senior leadership roles, with a target of reaching 25 per cent overall participation by 2030.
The announcement follows scrutiny of the military after a class action lawsuit filed in October alleged that the ADF failed to adequately protect thousands of female personnel from sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination.
As part of the wider reshuffle, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the current Chief of Navy, has been appointed Chief of the Defence Force, succeeding Admiral David Johnston.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, currently Deputy Chief of Navy, will take over as head of the naval branch.