TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda has started a new job at the Pentagon.

 Boyda was sworn in Monday as a deputy assistant secretary of defense for manpower and personnel issues.

 The job will require her to focus on interests of reserve and National Guard service members, including such things as recruitment, family issues and health care. About 141,000 reserve and guard troops are currently deployed.

 Boyda served two years representing Kansas’ 2nd District in the House. She was defeated for re-election in 2008 by Republican Rep. Lynn Jenkins.