Cartwright as Next JCS Chairman?

The Pentagon put out a press advisory this morning saying Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Marine Gen. James Cartwright, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will hold a press briefing at 3 p.m., with no topic identified.

Speculation is rife that the purpose of the briefing is to announce the nomination of Cartwright as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, succeeding Adm. Mike Mullen, who retires on Oct. 1.

I could be wrong on this, but I'm picking up strong signals that Cartwright is the guy for the top military job, and today is the day.