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Australia Names First Female Army Chief
Susan Coyle becomes the first woman to lead the Army as Mark Hammond takes over the defence force in a sweeping leadership reshuffle.
- 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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In Australia, Susan Coyle became the first woman to be named Chief of the Armed Forces, as the Minister of Defence has said.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources139
Leaning Left26Leaning Right27Center35Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 29%
C 40%
R 31%
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