The Anbu (English TV: Anbu Black Ops, literally meaning: Dark Side), short for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai (literally meaning: Special Assassination and Tactical Squad), are covert operatives of capable ninja that are dispatched by their village leader. There are apparently no true ranks within the Anbu; team leadership and hierarchy seem to be based on merit and experience, and skill levels from genin to jonin are found in the Anbu. The leaders of the teams are called squad leaders (BuntaichÅ), a position held in high regard.