Lieutenant Coyle to be the first woman to command Australian Army

Australia has announced a historic leadership change in its military, confirming that a woman will head the army for the first time in the country’s history.

Susan Coyle, currently serving as chief of joint capabilities, has been appointed to become Chief of Army in July, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She will succeed Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and becomes the first woman ever to lead a branch of Australia’s armed forces.

Coyle, who joined the military in 1987, takes over at a time when the Australian Defence Force is under pressure to improve gender representation and address longstanding concerns about workplace culture. Women currently make up just over one-fifth of the force and a smaller share of senior leadership, with the government aiming to raise participation to 25% by 2030 amid ongoing scrutiny and legal action related to allegations of harassment and discrimination.

Alongside the appointment, the government also confirmed a broader reshuffle of top defence roles, including the naming of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as the new head of the Australian Defence Force, replacing outgoing chief Admiral David Johnston.