Susan Coyle

Lieutenant General Susan Coyle is set to become the first female Chief of Army in Australia's 125-year history. She joined the army at 17, when women were a small minority in the armed forces. Her appointment is considered a historic moment and a significant step towards gender equality in the Australian Defence Force. Currently the Chief of Joint Capabilities, a role she has held since 2024, Coyle is responsible for the Australian Defence Force's cyber and space commands, as well as information warfare. She has also held several senior command roles, including during operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East, over her nearly 40-year military career. Coyle's appointment as Chief of Army will take effect in July, marking a reshuffle of the country’s defence force leadership and positioning her as a role model for other women in the military.