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Lieutenant General John Frewen transferred command of the Joint Capabilities Group to Lieutenant General Susan Coyle at the Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey Forecourt this week, representing a change in Australia’s space, cyber and logistics leadership.
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The handover, attended by members of the Australian Defence Force, public service and industry, marks the first time Defence has had a female domain lead as LTGEN Coyle begins her tenure overseeing the ADF’s space, cyber and logistic effects.
LTGEN Coyle previously served as Commander Forces Command in the Australian Army as well as Head of Information Warfare situated within the Joint Capabilities Group (JCG).
During the ceremony, LTGEN Coyle reflected on her service within the ADF, beginning her career as a Private in the Reserves.
“I feel a huge sense of pride to accept command of Joint Capabilities,” LTGEN Coyle said.
“As a young 17-year-old private reservist at 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers in Tamworth back in 1987, I would not have thought this was an option. Anything is possible, and I am proud to be leading two of the five domains.
“Our success hinges on harnessing our people’s full potential, which for me is developing our cyber, space and logistics capabilities. Our people, our leaders at every level, and our culture are our advantage.”
Her appointment comes following organisational changes within JCG to enhance ADF integration, including the transfer of Defence Space Command to the group in mid-2023.
LTGEN Coyle congratulated outgoing chief LTGEN Frewen’s commitment to the group: “I am privileged to follow in the footsteps of Lieutenant General John Frewen, who has led a remarkable transformation within JCG with humility, determination and intellect. He leaves a lasting impact on this organisation.”
Defence confirmed that LTGEN Frewen was presented with a Chief of Joint Capabilities flag following the handover as a mark of the completion of his tenure.
LTGEN Frewen commenced his Defence career in 1983 and has served as Head Military Strategic Commitments and National Commander of all Australian Defence personnel in the Middle East.
He reflected on the impact of the Joint Capabilities Group across the five warfighting domains.
“When I first started in this position, Joint Capabilities Group was a collective of enablers providing logistic, health, education and support services to Defence while overseeing our Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise,” LTGEN Frewen said.
“Our mission is now more focused and targeted. Space, cyber and logistics are integral to the ADF’s role in the protection and projection of national power.”
“Operational success relies on these capabilities contributing across the five warfighting domains. No longer can one succeed without the other.”
