Lieutenant Basic Susan Coyle has held a number of senior command roles over her practically 40-year army profession, together with throughout operations in Afghanistan and the Center East.
Printed On 13 Apr 2026
Australia has introduced that its military will likely be led by a lady for the primary time in its 125-year historical past, as a part of a reshuffle of the nation’s defence power management.
Lieutenant Basic Susan Coyle, the present chief of joint capabilities, will change into the chief of military in July, the federal government mentioned in a press release on Monday. She’s going to exchange Lieutenant Basic Simon Stuart, who assumed the publish in July 2022.
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Coyle’s profession spans practically 4 many years, throughout which she has held a number of senior command roles, together with throughout operations in Afghanistan and the Center East.
Her appointment comes because the Australian army seeks to spice up the variety of feminine officers in its ranks. It’s going through a wave of allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination.
“From July, we could have the primary ever feminine chief of military within the Australian Military’s 125-year historical past,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned in a press release.
Defence Minister Richard Marles referred to as Coyle’s appointment a “deeply historic second”.
“As Susan mentioned to me, you can’t be what you can not see,” Marles mentioned.
“Susan’s achievement will likely be deeply important to girls who’re serving within the Australian Defence Drive immediately and girls who’re serious about serving within the Australian Defence Drive sooner or later.”
Australia’s military is present process a significant transformation, equipping itself with long-range firepower, drones and different fashionable fight instruments.
Coyle, 55, careworn her expertise in areas reminiscent of cyber-warfare. “This breadth of expertise gives a robust basis for the tasks of command and the belief positioned in me,” she mentioned.
Girls at present make up about 21 p.c of the Australian defence forces, or ADF, and 18.5 p.c of senior management roles. The ADF has set a goal of 25 p.c of total participation for ladies by 2030.
Final October, a category motion lawsuit was filed towards the ADF alleging it failed to guard hundreds of girls officers from systematic sexual assault, harassment and discrimination.
The federal government on Monday additionally appointed Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the present chief of the navy, as the pinnacle of the ADF, succeeding Admiral David Johnston.
The present deputy chief of the navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, will exchange Hammond as head of the department.
