Ms. Laura Pitts

Inducted: 2024

Service and Career
Ms. Laura Pitts is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the field of Army munitions analysis and a true innovator in data management. Across her long career, she produced more than 30 publications on large caliber munitions hit and kill probabilities (1967–2022) and authored the 1976 Delivery Accuracy, Rate of Fire, and Terminal Effects Handbook, which continues to serve as the backbone for performance estimation methods today.

She played a central role in analysis supporting survivability and lethality improvements for key programs such as the M1A2 Abrams, Mobile Protected Gun System, ARMVAL, and the Close Combat Tactical Trainer. As the Close Combat Team Leader for the Army Model Improvement Program (AMIP), Ms. Pitts developed evaluation strategies for live-fire planning and testing across friendly and threat maneuver systems.

Her pioneering approach to Army data management—including the first distribution of performance estimates via magnetic tape—redefined how the Army managed credible and consistent system performance data. In 2010, she was honored as a Knightly Spirit of St. George, Noble Patron of Armor for her contributions to the Armor community.

“Ms. Pitts’ insights and innovations continue to shape Army weapons performance analysis, ensuring more capable systems and greater protection for Soldiers.”