Mafia Ranks
Don: The Don is the leader and highest position in the family. This role presides over everything about the crew and everything it does, most often making sure things are running smoothly. The Don makes all the important decisions, much like a CEO of a company would. Although each mob boss may run his outfit in a different way, they have one thing in common: they are greatly respected and widely feared by their subordinates.
Underboss: The Underboss is the second in command of the family and is considered the Dons left hand man. When the Don is absent the Underboss takes charge, for example if the Don is incarcerated, the Underboss will become acting boss. In most families, the Underboss arbitrates many of the disputes. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, he might consult with the Don. Some conflicts are immediately bucked up to the Don.
Consigliere: The Consigliere, or chief advisor, or counselor, is the Bosses right-hand man. He is a close and trusted friend and confidant of the family boss for strategic information and sound advice. The Consigliere is someone who the Boss goes to for advice, counsel or information regarding the operations, The Consigliere is meant to offer unbiased information based on what he sees as best for the family. Unlike the Underboss the Consigliere is chosen solely for his abilities and the amount of knowledge he possesses. If you have ever watched the Godfather then Tom Hagen, played by Robert Duvall, was a great example of this role. Frank Costello was also a Consigliere to Lucky Luciano, when Vito Genovese was the Underboss.
Caporegime: Just below the Underboss are the Capos. The number of Capos varied between the Families and depended upon the overall size of the Mafia Family. A Capo acts like a lieutenant or captain, leading his own section of the Family. He operates specific activities of the Mafia. A Capo is regarded to be successful only if he earns a huge amount of money for the Mafia. He keeps some of his earnings and the rest are passed up to the Underboss and ultimately the Don.
Made-man: The lowest-ranking members , the grunts of the organization, generally sticking out their neck in the hope of making a name for themselves by demonstrating their loyalty to the organization and protecting the organization at all costs. Associate: Associates are not actual member of the mafia, but they work for the mafia.
Associates: The associates are people that are new to the family and that are still learning the ropes. An associate is exactly how it’s described. They are not actual members of the Mafia, but they work with Mafia soldiers and capos on various criminal enterprises. An associate is simply someone who works with the mob. Associates can become made-men if they meet the criteria set out, if successful they will inducted as an official member of the family.
Underboss: The Underboss is the second in command of the family and is considered the Dons left hand man. When the Don is absent the Underboss takes charge, for example if the Don is incarcerated, the Underboss will become acting boss. In most families, the Underboss arbitrates many of the disputes. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, he might consult with the Don. Some conflicts are immediately bucked up to the Don.
Consigliere: The Consigliere, or chief advisor, or counselor, is the Bosses right-hand man. He is a close and trusted friend and confidant of the family boss for strategic information and sound advice. The Consigliere is someone who the Boss goes to for advice, counsel or information regarding the operations, The Consigliere is meant to offer unbiased information based on what he sees as best for the family. Unlike the Underboss the Consigliere is chosen solely for his abilities and the amount of knowledge he possesses. If you have ever watched the Godfather then Tom Hagen, played by Robert Duvall, was a great example of this role. Frank Costello was also a Consigliere to Lucky Luciano, when Vito Genovese was the Underboss.
Caporegime: Just below the Underboss are the Capos. The number of Capos varied between the Families and depended upon the overall size of the Mafia Family. A Capo acts like a lieutenant or captain, leading his own section of the Family. He operates specific activities of the Mafia. A Capo is regarded to be successful only if he earns a huge amount of money for the Mafia. He keeps some of his earnings and the rest are passed up to the Underboss and ultimately the Don.
Made-man: The lowest-ranking members , the grunts of the organization, generally sticking out their neck in the hope of making a name for themselves by demonstrating their loyalty to the organization and protecting the organization at all costs. Associate: Associates are not actual member of the mafia, but they work for the mafia.
Associates: The associates are people that are new to the family and that are still learning the ropes. An associate is exactly how it’s described. They are not actual members of the Mafia, but they work with Mafia soldiers and capos on various criminal enterprises. An associate is simply someone who works with the mob. Associates can become made-men if they meet the criteria set out, if successful they will inducted as an official member of the family.