Sgt. Maj. John W. Schlaud is a native of Flint, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 12, 1998. Upon graduation, he attended MCT and then reported to Fort Leonard Wood to obtain the MOS of 1345. Next, he was assigned to 2nd LSB and deploy with the 26th MEU and 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. He deployed again to the Mediterranean Sea, but was redirected through the Suez Canal to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Swift Freedom in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In October of 2002, he was assigned as a Primary MOS Instructor to the Basic Engineer Equipment Operators Course. In December of 2005, he transferred and deployed with 9th ESB to Al Anbar Province, Iraq from Feb to Sep 2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2007, deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom with CLB-4. In June 2008, he attended Drill Instructor School MCRD Parris Island and was assigned to 2nd Bn, and then to Support Battalion as a Swim Instructor and served as the Chief Instructor for MCIWS course. In September 2011, he was transferred to Mt. Clemens, Michigan as the HE Chief and Company First Sergeant for Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)-471. In June 2014, he was transferred to 1st Supply Bn, where he initially took over as the H&S Company First Sergeant. In February 2015, he was transferred to CLB 1 and deployed with 1st Bn, 4th Marines as a part of the MAGTF of the MRF-D. Upon return from deployment, he served in the capacity as the Battalion Sergeant Major of CLB 1 for six months, and then as the H&S Company First Sergeant. Next, he transferred to the 1st Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, for Company A and deployed with the 31st MEU. In March 2019, SgtMaj Schlaud was selected to his current rank and reported to MCRD Parris Island, to serve as the 2nd Bn Sergeant Major. On April 30th, 2021, he reported to HMLA 367, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and in December 2021, he transferred to VMM 363. In March 2023, he assumed the duties as the 15th MEU Sergeant Major. August 2025 SgtMaj Schlaud assumed his current post as the CLR-2 2d MLG Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
His personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medal, and four Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.