Army marked a historic transition of leadership on July 8, as Lieutenant General Susan Coyle assumed command as 42nd Chief of Army during a ceremonial parade at Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey Square in Canberra.
Before a parade of staff and staff cadets from the Royal Military College – Duntroon, Army honoured the service of Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and Regimental Sergeant Major – Army (RSM-A) Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham, while formally welcoming the new senior leadership team.
At the heart of the ceremony was the handover of the Army Banner, presented as a “gift from the nation” during Army’s Centenary in 2001. As it passed from the outgoing command team to the incoming one, it symbolised the continuity of service, sacrifice and commitment that connects generations of soldiers.
In a second ceremony, Warrant Officer Felmingham passed the RSM-A pace stick to Warrant Officer Brad Doyle, who becomes Army’s 13th RSM-A. The transfer signified the responsibilities and authority entrusted to Army’s most senior soldier and the enduring bond between commanders and the soldiers they serve.
The ceremony opened with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by outgoing Army Indigenous Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton, accompanied by Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Youll and Corporal Cody Harris performing Army’s Song Line on the yidaki.
Following the inspection of the parade, Lieutenant General Stuart reflected on four years leading Army through a period of significant transformation.
‘You have been magnificent. You have been indefatigable. You have been of good heart and of sound character.’
Paying tribute to the soldiers, officers and families who underpin Army’s success, he emphasised the importance of trust as the foundation of military service.
“I’m most grateful for the service of all those soldiers who wear our uniform today,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.
“I’m grateful for the way in which you have embraced our purpose, for building and maintaining trust. Trust in our teams, trust with our joint teammates, with our fellow Australians whom we exist to serve, trust with our government and trust with our allies and our partners.
“You have been magnificent. You have been indefatigable. You have been of good heart and of sound character.”
Concluding his final address as Chief of Army with the words, “Four One – Out”, soldiers and guests witnessed the end of a significant chapter in Army’s history.
Following his final salute, Lieutenant General Stuart left the parade with Warrant Officer Felmingham to the sound of Black Bear, a march of 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. The battalion’s cry of “hoi” (sic) echoed across the square in a personal tribute to Lieutenant General Stuart’s service as its former commanding officer.
Focus then shifted to the future as Lieutenant General Coyle addressed the parade for the first time as Chief of Army, acknowledging those who had come before her.
She spoke of the responsibility that accompanies command and her commitment to leading Army through the challenges ahead.
Lieutenant General Coyle outlined her vision of an Army that remained ready, resilient and trusted by the nation it serves.
While her appointment represents a milestone in Army’s history, her message centred on the collective strength of Army’s people and the responsibility of preparing the force for whatever challenges lie ahead.
