Sergeant Major John W. Schlaud was born in Flint, Michigan, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1998 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego. Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training and then reported to Fort Leonard Wood to obtain the military occupational specialty 1345, Heavy Equipment Operator.
In March 1999, he was transferred to his first assignment as a Heavy Equipment Operator with 2nd Landing Support Battalion, Camp Lejeune. In December 1999 he was then transferred to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During the deployment, he participated in Exercises Atlas Hinge in Tunisia, Northern Approach in Turkey, NATO exercise Destined Glory 2000 in Greece and Turkey, and Croatian Phibex 2000 in Croatia. In September 2001, he deployed again with the 26th MEU to the Mediterranean Sea but was redirected to support operations Enduring Freedom and Swift Freedom in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In October 2002, he was transferred to Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood as a Primary Instructor and achieved Senior Instructor certification to the Basic Engineer Equipment Operators Course. In December 2005, he was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa. During this tour he deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 4-6 and 5-7. In March 2007 he was then attached to Combat Logistic Battalion 4, and deployed back to Al Anbar Province, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 682 and 791.
In June 2008, he attended Drill Instructor School at MCRD, Parris Island and was assigned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In August 2010 he was transferred to Support Battalion serving as a Swim Instructor and Chief Instructor for Marine Corps Instructor Water Survival courses. In September 2011, he was transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 471, Mt. Clemens, Michigan and served on the Independent Instructor staff. In June 2014 he was transferred to 1st Supply Battalion, Camp Pendleton where he served as the Headquarters and Service (H&S) Company First Sergeant.
In February 2015, he was transferred to Combat Logistics Battalion 1 and assigned as the Company First Sergeant for the Combat Logistics Detachment to deploy with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines in March 2015 as a part of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. Upon return from deployment in November 2015, he served as the Acting Battalion Sergeant Major of Combat Logistics Battalion 1. In May 2016 he served as the H&S Company First Sergeant until March 2017. In March 2017, he was transferred to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines as the First Sergeant for Company A and deployed with the 31st MEU. Upon return in March 2018, he served as the H&S Company First Sergeant for 1st Battalion, 1st Marines.
In March 2019, he was selected to his current rank and reported to MCRD, Parris Island to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. In April 2021 he reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. When the unit relocated to Camp Pendleton to re-establish itself under I Marine Expeditionary Force, Sergeant Major Schlaud was reassigned within the local area. In December 2021, he transferred to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and from July to August 2022 participated in Rim of the Pacific Exercise 22. In April 2023, he was assigned to the 15th MEU where he deployed on the WESTPAC 24.1 deployment.
In August 2025, he assumed the duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Combat Logistics Regiment 2.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from National University, with a concentration in Human Resource Management. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal w/3 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/2 gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/3 gold stars.