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.

Most Anbu wear some kind of mask to conceal their identities:

» Konoha Anbu custom is to wear animal-styled porcelain masks, with some opting for more menacing-looking creatures.

» Kiri Anbu wear masks with slits for eye-holes and the village's symbol printed on the forehead; these may or may not have patterns on them as well.

» Suna Anbu seem to wear pieces of cloth that resemble turbans to cover the lower-halves of their faces leaving only their eyes visible.

» A regiment of Anbu from the Land of Woods known as the Prajñā Group wear porcelain masks as well, modelled to resemble oni.

» In the anime, Anbu from Hoshigakure are seen using masks similar to Konoha's.