Australia has made history by appointing Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as its first female army chief, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military history. Coyle, 55, will take over as chief of army in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. This appointment is part of a broader effort to increase female representation in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), where women currently make up 21% of personnel and 18.5% of senior leadership roles.

Coyle, who enlisted in 1987, has held several senior command positions, including deployments to Afghanistan and the Middle East. Her appointment is seen as a crucial step towards addressing allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination within the ADF. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that Coyle’s leadership will inspire future generations of female officers.

Defence Minister Richard Marles described Coyle’s appointment as a “deeply historic moment,” highlighting the significance of visibility in promoting gender equality. The ADF aims to increase female participation to 25% by 2030.