-> Ninja Ranks

Throughout Naruto, the ninjas are split into different Ranks, Academy Student, Genin, Chuunin, Jounin and Kage. Depending on a Ninja's rank, they are giving missions each catorgarised as a D, C, B or A mission. Hokage and Jounin get A ranks, Jounin get B, Chuunin get C and Genin get D.

Academy Student

The Ninja Academy is the first step in becoming a ninja. Academy student are enrolled as young as 6 and remain Academy Students until they pass the necessary tests. They are taught by Chunin. They do daily exercise and are taught basic ninja tactics, such as; weapons usage (kunai and shuriken), ninja justu; Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu and most importantly, chakra control. This is similar to Elementary School.

No missions are carry out by Academy Student. Upon graduation, each student will receive what is called "Forehead Protector". It means that you are officially no longer Academy Student but not a real Ninja. The forehead protector can be worn anywhere.

Konohamaru is an Academy Student, and refers to Naruto as 'boss'.

Genin

Genins are the lowest rank of ninja. Once an academy student becomes a genin, they are assigned a jounin instructor with two of their classmates. This group is taught by their jounin and perform basic jobs commissioned by the village. This typically means that they are required to do remedial, labor-intensive jobs that require little or no combat.

A genin's life consists of missions and training, all to prepare for the Chuunin Selection Exams. At this point, genins are put through a three part exam that proves their knowledge, survival skills, and combat ability. During the final combat part of the exam, the genins are evaluated on whether or not they have the needed skills to be promoted to chuunin.

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura are Genin level Ninjas, but Naruto wants to someday become Hokage.

Chuunin

Chunin means middle Ninja. To get promoted to Chunin is very hard. You need a combination of strength and logic skills. They are team leader, who put can put their life on the line to save their comrades, insure that missions are carry out successfully, and are able to gather correct information and make the right decision in difficult situation. They must show leader skills as well as Jutsu skills.

Chunin qualification are put to the test in the Chunin Exam. Chunin are either teacher or military leader for mission. Chunin are given C rank missions.

Iruka Sensei is at Chuunin level.

Jounin

Most importantly (to me cuz of Kakashi) is Jounin level. Even as achieving chuunin demonstrates proficiency and skill, achieving jounin is a sign of mastery. Jounins are exceptional fighters who operate on a completely different level than their lower ranked counterparts. Because of this, they are given the most dangerous missions.

Jounins also are not limited to battle. While chuunins are in charge of teaching academy students, jounins are responsible for trios of genins. A jounin leads the groups through their initial missions and prepares them for the Chuunin Selection Exam. Jounins typically only impart knowledge to their assigned genins, though there are some who take on special students and impart techniques and skills to them as well. Not much is known about the methods of promoting jounins, however.

Of course the ultimate Kakashi Hatake is of Jounin level.

Hokage (Kage)

There are five kages: from left (Mizukage, Kazekage, Hokage, Tsuchikage, Raikage. Kage means Shadow. Kage are leader of a particular Hidden Village. More precisely, there can only be 1 kage per Country (5 country), but can belong to any Hidden Villages. The title Kage is only given to the strongest Ninja in that Village, meaning strongest village in that country.

Jonin and S-class are often chosen to be a Kage. Kage are extremely strong because of their ability to perform many unique, s-rank, and powerful jutsu. 3rd Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaf is known as "Professor" because he has master over hundreds or Jutsu and all Jutsu in the Leaf Village. Hokage belong to the Village Hidden in the Leaf. Mizukage belong to the Village Hidden in the Mist.

Tsuchikage belong to the Village Hidden in the Rock. Raikage belong to the Village Hidden in the Cloud. Kazekage belong to the Village Hidden in the Sand.

Extras

Shinobi Hunters

Each Hidden Villages has their own team of Ninja Hunters. Their main purpose is to hunt down Missin Ninja. After killing the missing-ninja, they dispose of the body, leave no trace behind, take a sample and bring it back as a clue. The dispose of the body is to insure the secrets of their village are safe.

ANBU -Black Ops

ANBU is known as the "Black Ops" in Viz Translation. They are chosen Chunin or Jonin who's mission is to assassinate any unwanted visitors in their village. They are also the village's protector. They are deploy in case of emergency. ANBU only disquised themself with a mask while on duty to distinguish themselves from normal ninja. ANBU also have a sword with them. Example of ANBU members are Kakashi and Itachi (captain at 13).