Australia appoints first female army chief

In a historic first in Australia’s 125-year military history, a woman has been appointed as the Chief of Army; as part of a major reshuffle at the top level of the country’s defense forces, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle was announced for the role on Monday (April 13). According to a statement from the Australian government, Susan Coyle will succeed the current Army Chief, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, in July; the 55-year-old joined the army in 1987 and is currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the appointment as historic, stating that from July, Australia will have its first female Army Chief in 125 years. Defense Minister Richard Marles also termed it a “historic moment,” quoting Susan Coyle as saying, “You cannot be what you cannot see”—adding that her achievement will serve as a major inspiration for current female personnel as well as future women aspiring to join the military. Notably, women currently make up 21 percent of Australia’s defense force and 18.5 percent of its senior leadership, with a target to increase this to 25 percent by 2030. The appointment comes at a time when the Australian military is facing ongoing controversy over allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination, with a major lawsuit filed last October accusing the force of failing to protect thousands of female members; Susan Coyle will be the first woman to lead any branch of Australia’s military.