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Australia Names First Female Army Chief
The reshuffle also puts Susan Coyle in charge of the army, making her the first woman to lead a branch of the Australian Defence Force.
- On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will become Chief of the Defence Force in July, while Lieutenant General Susan Coyle becomes the first female Chief of Army.
- Coyle's appointment marks the first woman to lead any Australian service branch in the 125-year history of the Australian Defence Force, aligning with the military's target to reach 25% female participation by 2030.
- Hammond, who has served 40 years in the navy including on AUKUS nuclear submarine initiatives, brings extensive maritime experience; Coyle, who enlisted in 1987, served in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
- The transition occurs amid a class action lawsuit alleging systemic sexual harassment within the military. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy defended Coyle's selection, saying "She was selected because she was the best candidate."
- Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will succeed Hammond as Chief of Navy in July, as the government prepares to launch the 2026 National Defence Strategy and invest up to AU$15 billion in autonomous defence systems.
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Leaning Left28Leaning Right28Center35Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center
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38% Center
L 31%
C 38%
R 31%
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