MONTPELIER — The U.S. Senate has confirmed the head of the Vermont National Guard to a new job as the deputy commander of the U.S. military’s Northern Command.

Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie will leave his post at the Guard, which he has held since 2006.

He becomes a three-star general and the third general from the ranks of the National Guard to fill the position.

Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders said Thursday night Dubie has given Vermonters the benefit of his skill and leadership, which meant so much to the state during deployments to Afghanistan and in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.

The Northern Command was created after the 9/11 attacks to protect U.S. territory and provide military support for civil authorities in the event of a national emergency.