Women In Military Lieutenant General Susan Coyle Australia Defence Army Chief Susan Coyle — Lieutenant General Susan Coyle smiles into a future she helped build. In July she becomes the first woman to ever lead the Australian Army.

Australia makes history by appointing first female commander of its army

A 55-year-old veteran of 37 years breaks barriers as Australia reshuffles its entire defence force leadership

By Fahad On Apr 13, 2026

Australia – (Web Desk) – Australia has made history by appointing a woman to lead its army for the very first time. Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, who currently oversees joint capabilities, will step into the role of Army Chief this coming July, taking over from Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.

This landmark appointment arrives at a time when Australia’s military is actively working to bring more women into senior positions — even as it grapples with serious concerns about widespread sexual harassment and discrimination within its ranks.

“From July, we will have the first ever female chief of army in the Australian Army’s 125-year history,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proudly announced.

Defence Minister Richard Marles described the moment as “deeply historic,” sharing an inspiring quote from Coyle herself — “You cannot be what you cannot see” — a powerful reminder of why representation truly matters.

“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.”

Coyle, ‌55, ⁠enlisted in the military in 1987 and has held a number of senior command roles. She will be the first woman to lead any service branch of the military, Marles said.

Women currently make up around 21% of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and 18.5% ⁠of senior leadership roles. The ADF has set a target of 25% of overall participation for women by 2030.

Last October, a class action lawsuit was filed against the ADF alleging it failed ⁠to protect thousands of female officers from systematic sexual assault, harassment and discrimination.

The government on Monday also appointed Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the current chief ⁠of the navy, as the head of the ADF, succeeding Admiral David Johnston.

The current deputy chief of navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, will replace Hammond as head of the branch.