diff --git a/roles/ansible-server/templates/ansible.cfg.j2 b/roles/ansible-server/templates/ansible.cfg.j2
index bfd9b35dad..d735404332 100644
--- a/roles/ansible-server/templates/ansible.cfg.j2
+++ b/roles/ansible-server/templates/ansible.cfg.j2
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ poll_interval  = 15
 # smart - gather by default, but don't regather if already gathered
 # implicit - gather by default, turn off with gather_facts: False
 # explicit - do not gather by default, must say gather_facts: True
-#gathering = implicit
+gathering = smart
 
 # additional paths to search for roles in, colon separated
 roles_path    = {{ ansible_base }}/ansible/roles