BANGUI, Central African Republic -- Maj. Justin Kilpatrick and Sgt. 1st Class Anna Allatt, 412th Theater Engineer Command, G3 Operations, discussed command capabilities and future training missions here with local engineer units April 15-29, 2012.

The duo also traveled to and held similar discussions with representatives in N'DJamena, Chad, the capital and largest city in the country. The port city borders the Central African Republic in the south.

"They were very grateful for our visit and are very anxious to engage in military to military exercises," said Allatt. For their efforts on this trip, the two received unit patches from an engineer commander with the Central African Republic.

The 412th TEC team also had the opportunity to meet and back-brief Honorable Mark Boulware, U.S. Ambassador to Chad, and Honorable Laurence D. Wohlers, U.S. Ambassador to Central African Republic, following meetings with each of the local engineer groups.

"The ambassadors were very receptive to our assessment, but noted there are limitations on certain issues," said Allatt.

The assessment report from this trip will be presented to AFRICOM in the hopes of planning and conducting future engagements in the years ahead.

The 412th TEC provides engineer support to U.S. Army Africa/AFRICOM by participating in joint exercises, providing engineer mission command, and developing relationships for further military-to-military engagement and solidifying partnerships in support of a theater security cooperation strategy.