Australia appoints first woman army chief in historic military reshuffle

CANBERRA: Australia on Monday appointed its first-ever female army chief, marking a historic milestone as part of a broader reshuffle of the country’s military leadership.

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, currently serving as chief of joint capabilities, will assume the role of chief of army in July, replacing Simon Stuart, the government said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as a landmark moment in the army’s 125-year history. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the appointment a “deeply historic moment,” highlighting its significance for women serving in the military.

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Coyle, 55, joined the army in 1987 and has held several senior command positions. She will also become the first woman to lead any service branch within the Australian Defence Force.

Her appointment comes as the military seeks to increase female representation amid ongoing concerns over gender inequality. Women currently make up about 21 per cent of the force and 18.5 per cent of senior leadership, with a target to raise overall participation to 25 per cent by 2030.

The move follows allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination within the ranks. A class action lawsuit filed last October accused the defence force of failing to protect female personnel from abuse.

In the wider leadership reshuffle, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been named head of the Australian Defence Force, succeeding David Johnston. Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will take over as chief of navy.

The appointments signal a significant shift in Australia’s defence leadership, with authorities aiming to modernise the force and address longstanding structural and cultural challenges.