Arizona Tribune - Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army

NYSE - LSE
RIO 0.12% 90.32 $
BCE 0.74% 20.33 $
CMSC 0.05% 19.89 $
BTI 3.33% 60 $
NGG 2.65% 81.22 $
CMSD 0.05% 19.86 $
BCC 0.85% 76.13 $
GSK 0.99% 49.51 $
JRI 0.76% 10.56 $
AZN -0.77% 165.41 $
BP 3.53% 50.21 $
VOD 1.61% 16.11 $
RBGPF 5.2% 75.42 $
RELX 1.64% 39.06 $
RYCEF -2.21% 17.61 $
Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army
Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army / Photo: Handout - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE/AFP

Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army

A woman will command Australia's army for the first time since its founding 125 years ago, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Monday as he unveiled the "deeply historic" appointment.

Text size:

Lieutenant general Susan Coyle was named Australia's Chief of Army following a three-decade career during which she has served in the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

"Her achievement means that she will be the first woman to command a service in Australian history," Marles told reporters.

"And it is a deeply historic moment. As Susan said to me, you cannot be what you cannot see."

Australia's army is in the throes of a major transformation, equipping itself with long-range firepower, drones and other modern combat tools.

Coyle stressed her experience in areas such as cyber-warfare.

"This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for the responsibilities of command and the trust placed in me," she said.

M.White--AT