Coin Press - Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army

NYSE - LSE
RBGPF 0% 60.72 $
CMSC -0.09% 22.33 $
AZN -1.97% 178.75 $
RIO 1.62% 105.35 $
GSK 0.34% 53.04 $
RYCEF 2.63% 17.5 $
VOD 1.74% 15.53 $
BTI 1.49% 62.32 $
NGG 0.39% 81.84 $
RELX 1.87% 33.74 $
CMSD -0.18% 22.26 $
BCE 0.08% 24.59 $
BP 0.23% 42.78 $
JRI -0.23% 12.8 $
BCC 0.67% 71.14 $
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.

A.Levy--CPN