Strafing is a military tactic used by aircraft to target ground forces with machine guns or autocannons. It was first used during World War I and has been used in many conflicts since then. Strafing involves flying low and close to the ground, allowing the pilot to accurately target enemy troops and vehicles with their machine guns. The term 'STRAFE' comes from the German word for 'PUNISH, ' which is fitting as it was used to devastating effect against enemy forces.