Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot in 1970 and was soon given the nickname "Angus".[4] On 20 March 1971, he was granted an eight-year short-service commission with the rank of pilot officer,[5] and was promoted to flying officer on 20 March 1973.[6] He spent the early part of his career flying UH-1 Iroquoishelicopters in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.[7] On 10 March 1975, he received a permanent commission,[8] with a promotion to flight lieutenant on 20 September.[9]
After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk helicopter Project. In 1987, Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron to introduce the Black Hawk helicopter, to relocate the unit from Amberley to Townsville, Queensland, and to transfer the capability to the Australian Army.[10] In 1989 he served one year in command of the 5th Aviation Regiment.[10] Houston was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Blackhawk operations.[13]
On promotion to group captain in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce.[10] After completing a C-130H Hercules conversion in 1993, Houston commanded No. 86 Wing from 1994 to 1995.[10]
Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre from 1997 to 1999, Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999 to 2000 and Head Strategic Command from 17 August 2000.[10]
After his retirement from the CDF position, the Australian Government appointed Houston as Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board on 6 July 2011, with the remit to "provide strategic advice and recommendations on the planning and implementation of Anzac Centenary events".[19] On 6 December 2011, it was announced that the Australian Government had appointed Houston as the next chairman of Airservices Australia on the grounds of his aviation, governance and leadership experience.[20]
In June 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Houston would chair an expert group that would examine asylum seeker policy and prepare a report recommending a solution for the Government's consideration.[21]
In February 2014, Houston was appointed chair of the Defence SA Advisory Board. The position was previously held by General Peter Cosgrove.[22]
Houston speaking to the media at a JACC press conference in Perth, 14 April 2014
On 26 January 2015, Houston was appointed a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK) for his service to Australia and commitment to the MH17 and MH 370 disasters.[2] Saying he was "surprised and deeply humbled," he said he would prefer to be called by his name instead of "Sir Angus." "It's a great honour to be recognised in this way. But I'd like people to still call me Angus. That's probably the way I am," he said.[25] The ceremony in which he was officially knighted was held on 17 April 2015 at Government House, Canberra by the Governor-General of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove.[26]
On 1 June 2015, Houston was announced as the new special envoy for South Australia. According to Premier Jay Weatherill, Houston is tasked with supporting trade missions, providing advice on international engagement strategies and providing important introductions in key markets. Weatherill also noted Houston's strong relationships with military leaders across Asia being potentially advantageous to the state.[27]
Houston is an Honorary Patron of the ACT Veterans Rugby Club, the Bomber Command Association in Australia, Sunnyfield Disability Services and the Australian American Association Canberra Division. He is the chair of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.[30]
Houston is a member of the senior advisory group of the Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni Association (IKAHAN).[31]
^ abc"Knight of the Order of Australia"(PDF). Australia Day Honours 2015. gg.gov.au. 26 January 2015. Archived from the original(PDF) on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015. For extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.
^"Air Chief Marshals". Air Marshals of the RAAF. Royal Australian Air Force Air Power Development Centre. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
^ abIt's an Honour – Air Force Cross – 14 June 1980 Citation: 9 Sqn RAAF – Helicopter rescue off Evans Head – For devotion to duty as a pilot of No9 Sqn RAAF
^"Air Force Regulations". Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National). No. G34. 25 August 1981. p. 37. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
^ abIt's an Honour – Member of the Order of Australia – 26 January 1990 Citation: For service to the RAAF as CO No9 Sqn and subsequently Officer Commanding 5th Aviation Regiment
^ ab"Officer of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2003. Citation: For distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Air Force in senior command appointments.
^ ab"Companion of the Order of Australia". Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. Australian Government. 28 January 2008. Archived from the original on 11 August 2008. Citation: For eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force.
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