Houghton was Colonel of the Regiment of 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment (Volunteers) from 1 November 2003 to 1 September 2008 and honorary Colonel Commandant of the King's Division from 10 December 2005 to 10 December 2008 as well as Colonel of the Regiment of The Yorkshire Regiment from 6 June 2006 to 6 June 2011.
From November 2003 to September 2008, Houghton served as the Colonel of the 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment (Volunteers). He was also honorary Colonel Commandant of the King's Division from December 2005 to December 2008 and Colonel of The Yorkshire Regiment from June 2006 to June 2011.