A native of Anaheim, California, Major Houghtling was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 2012 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps after graduation from Oregon State University. Following graduation from The Basic School and Combat Engineer Officers Course, Major Houghtling was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14 in Cherry Point, North Carolina, from 2013 - 2016, where he served as Engineer Platoon Commander and Engineer Company Executive Officer. After completing the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron - 1 in Yuma, Arizona, Major Houghtling was assigned as the Squadron Training Officer and Weapons and Tactics Instructor in June 2015. In March 2016, Major Houghtling graduated from the Marine Corps Water Survival School at Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Subsequently, he accepted orders to the Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina.
In July 2016, Major Houghtling served as a Series Commander in Company L, 3d Recruit Training Battalion for two training cycles, and again as a Series Commander in Company K. In May 2017, Major Houghtling served as the Company Commander of Company K. Major Houghtling commanded the company for three training cycles and was subsequently assigned to Support Battalion to lead the Combat Training Tank in June 2018. He served as the Officer in Charge of all Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival, Instructor Trainers, and all aquatic training for the Tri-Command region until his departure in June 2019.
In July 2019, Major Houghtling reported for duty in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as Company Commander of Engineer Company-B, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group. In July 2020, Major Houghtling was assigned as the Company Commander of Engineer Company-A and deployed with the company to the Korean Peninsula until September. After returning from Korea, Major Houghtling assumed the duties of Assistant Operations Officer until May 2022. Major Houghtling conducted and facilitated numerous Engineer Civic Assistance Projects throughout East Asia and participated in multiple security cooperation exercises, including Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
From July 2022 to June 2023, Major Houghtling attended the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. Serving alongside Major Houghtling is his wife, Elise, and three beautiful children.
Major Houghtling is a distinguished graduate of both the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School and Marine Corps Command and Staff College. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star.