While at a glance the Hitwizard seems to share many of the duties of an Auror, there is an immense difference between them. To some extent, every Auror is expected to protect civilians and solve crimes, whilst the Hitwizards are generally seen as little better than executioners. In modern day terms, they are a cross between a SWAT team and bounty hunters. They are sent out to hunt down and kill or capture dangerous criminals, and their jurisdiction includes all of Great Britain. Such individuals are expected to be highly dangerous in turn. Needless to say, the average lifespan of a Hitwizard is incredibly short.

A Hitwizard must complete the three-year Auror training programme and then an additional year of Hitwizard training. Hitwizard training requires the same NEWTS as that for Aurors, which is Charms, DAtDA, Potions, Transfigurations and one elective (which is recommended to be Healing Arts, Care of Magical Creatures or Ancient Runes). It is not uncommon for a Hitwizard to be a former Auror, who trained up later in his career.

When not called upon a mission, Hit Wizards are generally on long-term stress leave or are allowed a separate job for long-term undercover work. This second job may not be another position in the Ministry or a permanent teacher in Hogwarts. It is usually employment as a shopkeeper or something equally as mundane.

The ranks are as follows:

Soldat - The lowest rank in the Hitwizards, it also forms the bulk of the corps. Soldats are the soldiers, the ones who will engage in battle alongside their Legate commanders. Even the greenest Soldat is assumed to be ready to handle the most dangerous of missions. Though in actuality, the rookies are sent on slightly easier missions at first, it is not unheard of for them to be killed in just a few short years of service.

Legatus - There is one Legatus for every five Soldats, and this person is the captain of that specific squad. He or she leads his or her men into battle and is responsible for maintaining organisation in the ranks. He or she reports to the Imperator, and when sent on missions, it is up to this individual to formulate plans of attack and make requests for the necessary equipment.

Imperator - The commander of every known Hitwizard, this individual is ultimately responsible for the capture or kill of the most dangerous of criminals. He or she reports directly to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. There is only one person in this position, though he or she may be supported by staff selected from the ranks of the Legate. The Imperator reports directly to the Head of the MLE Department, currently Barty Crouch.