By tradition, the head of the Shihōin family leads the Special Forces. If they attain a captain seat in the Gotei 13, the Special Forces are lead under that captaincy as well. The 22nd Head of the Shihōin clan and former Captain of the 2nd Division and General Administrator Commander of the Special Forces is Yoruichi Shihōin. The status of the clan after Yoruichi's defection is unknown.
By tradition, the family has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society. There is reason to believe that the captaincy of the 6th Division runs in the Kuchiki family, as at least two members, both of them were family heads, have held the title captain. The 28th Head of the Kuchiki clan and the current Captain of the 6th Division is Byakuya Kuchiki. Another member is Byakuya's adopted sister/sister-in-law Rukia Kuchiki of the 13th Division.