Australia appoints first female army chief in 125 years

The Australian government has appointed Susan Coyle as the country’s first female army chief since its independence 125 years ago.

Announcing Ms Coyle’s appointment on Monday, the defence minister, Richard Marles, said her appointment was “historic”, describing her as a “standout candidate” to lead the Australian army.

“Her achievement means that she will be the first woman to command a service in Australian history.

“And it is a deeply historic moment. As Susan said to me, you cannot be what you cannot see,” Mr Marles said.

With three decades of experience, Ms Coyle, who joined the Australian army in 1987 and graduated from the Defence Force Academy in 1992, has served in the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East.