In a statement issued on Monday, the Australian government announced that the current Head of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, will assume the position of Chief of Army in July. She will succeed Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, who took up the post in July 2022.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle boasts a military career spanning four decades, during which she has held numerous senior command-level positions. These roles include involvement in operations conducted in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Lieutenant General Susan’s appointment comes at a time when the Australian Army is actively striving to increase the number of female officers within its ranks. The Army has recently been grappling with a wave of allegations regarding institutional sexual harassment and discrimination.
In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “From July, for the first time in the 125-year history of the Australian Army, we will have a female Chief of Army.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles described Coyle’s appointment as a “profoundly historic moment.” He remarked, “As Susan herself told me: ‘You cannot be what you cannot see.'”
“Susan’s achievement will be immensely significant for the women currently serving in the Australian Defence Force, as well as for those women who are considering serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future.” The Australian Army is undergoing a major transformation, equipping itself with long-range strike capabilities, drones, and other modern combat systems.
55-year-old Coyle highlighted her extensive experience in fields such as cyber warfare. She stated that this breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for fulfilling her command responsibilities and for the trust that has been placed in her.
Currently, women constitute approximately 21 percent of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), while their representation in senior leadership roles stands at 18.5 percent. The ADF has set a target to increase total female participation to 25 percent by 2030.
In October of last year, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the ADF, alleging that it failed to protect thousands of female personnel from institutional sexual harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
Additionally, on Monday, the government appointed the current Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, as the Chief of the ADF. He will succeed Admiral David Johnston. The current Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, will take over from Hammond as the head of that branch.
