A Capo is the "Middle Management" for the Mob and, connects the Administration (Boss, Underboss,Consigliere) to the street guys. Each Capo runs their own Crew-which is made up of officially inducted members of the family and Associates. Crews are typically based on geographic location and the rackets they involve themselves in. (ie: The Cocelli Crew is involved in more narcotic dealing and, strong-arm crime, while the Rossetti crew participates in white-collar bookmaking and illegal gambling) They give a part of their profits up to the Underboss and the Boss. Capos are usually nominated by the Boss or Underboss.
Soldier
The Soldier is an official "made" member of the family and, is the lowest official rank in the hierarchy. Soldiers start as associates and, usually after a long period of time gaining trust of the organization are promoted in a special ceremony. They need to usually be of at least half-italian ethnicity to be recommended to, "get their button" and become official members. When a Associate is moved up to Soldier they usually gain acess to more rackets and, are supposed to be protected by the family (ie: They shouldn't be killed without retaliation from the family) Soldiers are expected to give a chunk of their earnings to their higher-ups and, they often employ associates or other soldiers to help them earn. To become a made member, a rising associate also traditionally must "Make their bones" or kill someone for the family to prove their loyalty to the organization.
Associate
Associates are not members of the organization and, the role of an associate can vary greatly. Associates can usually start as errand-boys for soldiers and, higher ups in the organization. They can get into more criminal activities when they've hung around a while and, gained more trust or proven they are a good earner. When an Associate ghangs around long enough he is considered a "Connected guy" and well on his way to becoming soldier. Associates can be of any ethnicity and even female but, as stated earlier: Only males of half-italian heritage usually can become officially inducted. Also, Associates usually do not kill people for the family until they are given the assignment to "Make their bones" however, in the "field" Associates may be forced to kill in self-defense etc.
Traditions
The Mafia theoretically operates on a strict set of rules to maintain it's structure and keep it's various operations running smoothly. Punishments for breaking a rule could range from death to a severe beating. Many of these codes and, traditions have been practiced less if not at all in the modern american mafia. It's all about money in the modern day and, if the person with more power/money were to break a rule, nobody will say a thing but, if it's a low-level thug he could see himself getting punished. Cold-hard currency speaks louder then words and, enforcement of the rules reflects that.
*Many of these rules are not followed by families any more, or are only used by certain members etc. Basically, this isn't the code of conduct for all the families it's just a guideline on behaviors-then anything else nowadays.
1. Omertà
The Omertà or code of silence in the Mafia was once it's most strict rule. It prohibited Mafiosi from speaking to Law Enforcement and, if they had an issue they should've asked the family or deal with it themselves. If a member were to get robbed for example he wasn't supposed to go to the police. However in recent years with the introduction of the RICO laws, many Mafia members have given up the code and became Informants against the families. In the Mob nothing is worse then being a rat, if a member is even suspected if ratting on the family they could end up "Six feet under"
2. Ethnicity
All Made membersused to have to be of Italian Ethnicity, this has been changed to half-Italian and, nowadays non-Italians are even getting into the mob if they're good earners. Associates and lower-level positions do not have a ethnic rule, and any race can be considered for the Associate position.
3. Family Secrecy
Mafia members are not allowed to about talk family business with outsiders to the family. To make an introduction in the family you must have a third party. If the person is not a inducted member then the third party would refer to them as "A friend of mine" and, If the person is an inducted member they are a "Friend of ours". If someone tries to introduce themselves they can end up ignored or even beaten. This rule isn't followed very strictly now-as with most rules however, it's still never a good idea to try to introduce yourself to the boss or, a higher up if you don't have credibility.
4. Blood for Blood
If a inducted official member of the family is killed, the family is supposed to take revenge on the parties responsible. The only way a soldier is supposed to get clipped is if the boss gives permission based on said soldier breaking a family rules. But, this isn't always the case and, wisegyuys have been killed if the boss feels they could be a threat to their leadership or any other reason. Basically the Boss is supposed to take revenge but, that doesn't always happen, especially nowadays.
5. No disputes between members
There are not allowed to be any disputes between members of the family if there is an issue they should bring it to their higher-ups to help things get resolved. Like the other rules this isn't set in stone anymore. If the issue leads to a loss of profit for the family, they'll probably take care of it but, otherwise....
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