Anbu are recruited from their village's standard shinobi forces, hand-picked by the Kage for their individual capabilities and special skills. Age, gender, background, or previous rank bear no weight in this decision. While on the job, Anbu wear masks and use condenames so that their identities are known to nobody but their Kage. Anbu typically work in teams, formed based on the the requirements of the mission in order to ensure maximum success. There are apparently no true ranks within the Anbu; team leadership and hierarchy seem to be based on merit and experience. The leaders of the teams are called squad leaders (分隊長, Buntaichō), a position held in high regard.