Australia appoints first female chief of army in 125-year history

Key facts

• Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become chief of army in July 2026, the first woman to lead the Australian Army in its 125-year history.
• Coyle currently serves as chief of joint capabilities and will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, who has held the post since July 2022.
• Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, current chief of the navy, was appointed head of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), succeeding Admiral David Johnston.
• Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will replace Hammond as chief of the navy.
• Women comprise 21 percent of the ADF and 18.5 percent of senior leadership roles; the ADF targets 25 percent female participation by 2030.
• A class action filed last October alleges systemic sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination against women officers in the ADF.