Australia’s government on Monday announced a reshuffle in its military leadership, including appointing the first woman to the chief of army position in the country’s history.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the first woman to lead any of the Australian military’s three branches.
Coyle is currently the chief of joint capabilities and is due to take over the role in July this year, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
Her appointment comes as Australia’s military seeks to boost the number of female officers in its ranks and amid allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination, dw.com reports.
“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 in a statement.
Defense Minsiter Richard Marles said that the 55-year-old, who first signed up as a reservist in 1987, will become the first woman to lead any service branch of the military.
At Monday’s press conference, Coyle stressed her experience in areas such as cyber-warfare and noted various senior command roles she has held.
“This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for the responsibilities of command and the trust placed in me,” she said.
Women make up around 21% of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and 18.5% of senior leadership roles. The ADF set a target to attain 25% overall participation by 2030.
