SYDNEY: Australia on Monday announce that a woman would lead its army for the first time in history, as part of a reshuffle of the country’s defence force leadership.
Coyle, who joined the army reserve in 1987, graduated as an officer from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1992.
She held positions as head of information warfare, commander of Joint Task Force 633 (in the Middle East) and commander of Task Group Afghanistan.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, the current chief of joint capabilities, will become chief of army in July, the government said in a statement. She will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
“From July, we will have the first ever female chief of army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Defence Minister Richard Marles called Coyle’s appointment a “deeply historic moment.”
“Susan’s achievement will be deeply significant to women who are serving in the Australian Defence Force today and women who are thinking about serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future,” he noted.
Coyle underscored her broad operational experience, including work in cyber warfare, stating it has prepared her for the responsibilities of leadership. She also added that her background provides a strong foundation to meet the expectations and trust placed in her as she takes on the role.
The move is praised as a notable step to empower women in high-rank positions. Currently, the women make up around 21pc of the Australian Defence Force. Of all, only 18.5 percent of women hold senior leadership roles.
